Please Note: I am currently on leave from work for Medical reasons. If you are interested in contact me regarding services, please be advised that my response time may be slightly delayed. I am not actively starting work with new clients, however I am adding folks to my waitlist, so that I can reach back out when I return from leave.
A New Voice
Queer and Trans-Inclusive Mental Health Support
If you are struggling, that does not mean that you are broken.
The world often tells us that if we are in pain, or if we are struggling, that there is something wrong with us. We are sometimes made to believe that we are broken and need to be fixed.
That isn’t true. You are not broken.
Painful emotions like anger and sadness let us know when we have been hurt. Everyone experiences pain at least some of the time. It’s part of being human.
We may want to push down difficult emotions so that we can feel happy again, or so that we can look “normal” to everyone else. But hiding all the time can feel exhausting and overwhelming.
You deserve a chance to rest.
Hi, I’m River. I help people heal from painful life experiences and learn new ways to feel safe, connected, and fulfilled.
I believe that our bodies and minds have an innate wisdom and flexibility. When we are exposed to hardships we adapt to keep ourselves safe from danger. This may look like shutting down our emotions to cope, looking for warning signs everywhere we go, or being hesitant to trust those closest to us.
These responses can become second nature, and we sometimes keep using them even after the danger is gone. In cases like these, the behaviors that once protected us can start to cause pain instead. It may be hard to connect with our emotions or with the people that we love. This does not mean that we are broken. It just means that the things that used to keep us safe are no longer serving us. We may want to find new ways of being in the world that work for us now, in the present moment.
When it comes to our work together, I don’t believe that I have the answers about what those new ways of being should look like. My goal is to help create a space where you feel safe enough to bring your whole self—the darkness and the light, the laughter and the tears, the fear and the hope. In bearing witness to these parts of ourselves, I believe that we can connect to a new voice—our innate wisdom about what we need and want to build a fulfilling life.
Specialties
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Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
Food and eating are some of the first self-soothing behaviors we develop as babies. As we grow up, many of us begin to use food and eating to meet deeper emotional needs, like safety, comfort, and connection. I can help you learn new ways to meet those needs and work to relate to your body with compassion and care.
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Trans and Queer Identities
Identity exploration is a lifelong process. As a queer, nonbinary person, I want to create a space in my practice where queer and trans people feel safe and understood. I approach identity work from an intersectional and culturally humble lens; I know that everyone’s identities intersect in unique ways and that each individual is the expert on their own experience. Together, we can explore what your identities mean to you and how they impact your life.
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Creative Expression
Creativity is for everyone. There is so much judgment in our culture about what it means to be creative and who is “creative enough” or “talented enough.” I can help you unlearn harmful messages like these and challenge shame and self criticism around what it means to be “good enough.” Together we can find new ways for you to reconnect with creativity, curiosity, and inspiration.
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Body Image and Body Grief
Body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, trauma, discrimination, chronic illnesses, and so many other experiences can lead us to have difficulty relating to our bodies in a healthy way. I can support you in healing from painful life experiences and challenging social norms and perfectionism, to help you build a healthy relationship with your body.
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Trauma and Painful Life Experiences
Difficult life experiences can make us feel unsafe in our bodies, in our relationships, and in our world. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to show up as your authentic self. Together we can re-discover what safety can look and feel like for you.
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Substance Use and Addiction
When life is especially painful or overwhelming, we may turn to substances or other behaviors, such as self-harm, to help numb the pain in the short term. But these behaviors can sometimes cause more pain later on. This can start a cycle of hurt that can be hard to break away from. I can help you step out of this cycle and discover new ways to cope with painful life experiences.
Where do I start?
Send me an e-mail or fill out my contact form. You can tell me a bit about yourself and why you are looking for support right now.
I will reach back out to you and let you know how I can help. I can answer questions via email, or we can schedule a free virtual consultation. Talking face to face might help you decide if we would be a good fit to work together.
Decide if working together feels right to you, and send me an email to schedule your first session!
Services
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Expressive Arts Groups
Healing happens in relationships. Expressive arts groups can provide opportunities for you to connect with others through creative expression, and be seen for who you really are. Expressive arts groups are available to adults in-person in St. Louis.
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Meal and Snack Groups
Virtual supported meal and snack groups provide an opportunity for folks struggling with disordered eating to connect, share a meal or snack in community, and support one another in recovery. Meal and snack groups are offered virtually and not restricted based on location.
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Recovery Coaching
I provide eating disorder recovery coaching services virtually across the US and in-person in the St. Louis area. Coaching can include support with self-care planning, assistance learning and using coping skills, and logistical support, such as help with cooking, grocery shopping, clothes shopping, or meal completion. Click the button below to e-mail me for more info about coaching services.
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Individual Therapy
I provide clinical therapy services through Healing Exchange LLC. Individual therapy sessions are your time to explore the issues that are most important to you. I am able to see therapy clients virtually throughout the state of Missouri. Click the link below to schedule a free virtual consultation about individual therapy services.
