Best therapists near St. Joseph, Missouri

Today's world is incredibly fast-paced and digital platforms can sometimes interfere with effective communication or even place people in dangerous situations. I work with individuals, couples and families to better manage these stressors and find solutions. If you are feeling stuck or something is getting in your way, let's figure out how to remove those roadblocks and carve a new pathway. We work together to find individualized, creative solutions that fit with your life. Remember that, "The words you speak become the house you live in." -Anonymous

My focus is on helping clients in the healing process. I address issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, marital discord, relationship conflict, trauma, grief, abuse, child conduct issues and a many other emotional, behavioral, social and family issues. I would be honored to work with anyone who is experiencing difficulty in life and help them learn and develop different ways to cope and resolve their emotional pain.

I don't believe that therapy is a "one-size fits all" approach. Long term success requires an individualized approach. It is my goal to assist my clients with finding a therapeutic approach that meets your individual needs. We have all experienced trauma, but how we process and deal with trauma is unique to each person. I strive to help you process trauma in an empowering and healing way. I have years of experience working with diverse populations including active-duty military personnel and their dependents, veterans, couples seeking pre-marital, marital and relationship counseling, adults experiencing anxiety, depression and adjustment related symptoms, college/university populations and those with a history of trauma. I also have experience working with persons who have struggled with substance use and addition. I utilize evidence-based modalities to assist clients with identifying and accomplishing your therapeutic goals. You and I will collaborate together to help you achieve and sustain mental wellness. In addition to being a licensed therapist. I am also an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). I have years of experience providing clinical supervision to provisionally licensed clinicians seeking supervision for clinical licensure. I have a strong passion for teaching and learning. I strive to assist incoming therapists learn solid, evidence-based clinical skills in an ethical, challenging yet compassionate environment. I have 15 years of clinical experience. I am an independently licensed therapist in Arizona (LPC-21259), Illinois (LCPC: 180008910), Missouri (LPC: 2021009951) and Oregon (LPC: C7421). I am also an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS-5883) via the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE). In addition, I am listed on the Clinical Supervisor registries in Arizona and Oregon. I have also completed specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Ethical Telemental Health.

I believe that everyone deserves to live a life that brings them meaning, peace and happiness. I meet my clients where they are on their journey and I use genuine support, education, strength-based services, and evidence-based practices to help get them to where they want to be. I strive to make my clients feel heard, seen, supported and cared for by creating a therapeutic environment that is genuine and nonjudgmental.

Samantha Williams is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) devoted to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Master of Philosophy, Samantha brings both depth and compassion to her clinical work. Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness-based strategies. She strives to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions safely. Samantha works with adolescents, adults, and families to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, relationship challenges, and personal identity development. She is passionate about promoting emotional wellness, balance, and self-acceptance while helping clients build practical coping tools that support lasting change. Grounded in empathy and authenticity, Samantha’s goal is to help each client discover their inner strength, cultivate resilience, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

I have a strong background helping people manage and cope with their depression, general anxiety social and performance anxiety, phobias OCD PTSD and trauma and adjusting to major life changes I have worked with parents to teach them how to regulate the emotions of their children. I am also trained in Imago Therapy for couples I have a doctorate in Psychology, and I have spent the last 30 years working as a Mental Health Therapist. I am licensed to practice in Washington State, Arizona, and Missouri. I use the therapeutic methods grounded in cognitive and behavioral therapies (behaviorism, CBT, DBT, and the Unified Protocol) The methods I employ are all backed by extensive research which indicates the therapy is effective.