Why Our Counseling Program is Different
Based in St. Louis, Kelly O’Donnell Counseling is built upon:
- The mind-body connection
- Empowering people to take control of their lives
- Healing the whole person
- Healing past trauma
We combine our knowledge as mental health therapists and as health and wellness coaches to provide a comprehensive, holistic service. We see each of our clients as a whole, a beautiful and a complex being. Because of this, clients experience better and faster results in their lives!
For more information regarding our counseling services and our counseling approach, call 314-643-8224 or contact us online.
Kelly O’Donnell, LCSW
As a St. Louis therapist and a wellness coach, I am honored to be a witness to my clients’ healing. Through my services clients learn how to prioritize and trust themselves as well as change harmful behaviors.
Learn more about my health coach and therapy services by calling 314-643-8224 or complete an online contact form.
My Personal Story
In 1997 I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Lindenwood University and in 2003 I received my Master’s in Social Work from University of Illinois.
As so often happens in life, I found my true passion after facing one of my most difficult times. In 2008, I had a stroke. I was 34 years old and had a 1-year-old baby girl. It was devastating and eye opening. After I recovered, I began researching how I could take my health into my own hands by learning more about nutrition, mind-body health, and how to prevent further problems. My personal journey fueled my mission to help and heal others and led me to become a certified health coach in 2011 through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
The more I learned about the mind-body connection, the more I realized that our past experiences, especially traumatic ones, leave a lasting effect on our minds and bodies. I noticed that there were just some things that “talk therapy” (or cognitive-behavioral therapy) just could not heal. I began searching for other modalities that could heal the wounds of the past. In 2015 I learned about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and immediately was trained. Since then, my practice has changed completely. The results I have seen since incorporating EMDR are far superior. It is effective, lasting, and heals the past in a very tangible way. My clients simply feel better and relate differently to their past trauma.
Lisa Adams, MA, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in practice for more than a decade. I am skilled with clients facing mental health challenges such as: depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, low self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, family of origin/attachment issues and addictions/compulsions.
I use a variety of methods in our sessions: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help you challenge distorted thinking, and Motivational Interviewing to help you find your inner reasons and willingness for change. I also teach my clients to use mindfulness skills for self-awareness and self-soothing. I also use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which works with the body and the mind to access and process traumatic memories, relieving distress and bringing healing.
I always wanted to be a therapist but started my career as a kindergarten/first grade teacher. I taught for seven years, stayed home with my kids and then went back to grad school. An internship was required to graduate, so I found myself at a psychiatric hospital working with severely mentally ill and chemically dependent patients. It was gratifying to see people get well through therapy and medication and to get to know them in the groups I led. I graduated, and two days later my younger brother died by suicide. He had a history of mental health challenges and had been sober for a few years but relapsed on alcohol and died. This traumatic experience solidified my desire to help people find hope and healing.
Therapy is a form of self-care. Developing a working relationship with a counselor can be healing and empowering. I encourage clients to practically find ways to better cope with life’s challenges by talking, processing and embracing change. I believe in a collaborative approach to help my clients reach their goals. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion in a warm, non-judgmental, supportive space. I invite you to contact me to discuss your needs and to schedule a time to get started. I look forward to working with you! Please reach out through phone (314) 643-9063, or email (LisaAdamsLPC@gmail.com) to set one up today!