Finding Anxiety Therapy in St Louis: A Guide to Empower Queer, Trans, and Neurodivergent Lives
Black man with beard and wearing gold framed glasses, using laptop to search online for a queer and neurodivergent affirming anxiety therapist in St Louis
Finding Therapy for Anxiety in St. Louis
St. Louisans, if you grew up near Forest Park or have spent a fair amount of time in that area, you can probably get through the spaghetti noodle of an intersection in front of the Hi-Pointe unscathed. But do you remember the first time you tried to drive through that intersection? You know the one. It’s in front of the Hi-Pointe where Clayton Avenue, Oakland Ave, Skinker Blvd., and McCausland Ave all come together - not to mention that is also where Clayton Road and the exit/entrance ramps to highway 40 (64) East are just a breath North of that. And the exit/entrance ramp to highway 40 West are South a bit on McCausland just for fun. The Hi-Pointe is an elevated area where you can view The Gateway Arch all the way downtown to the East but only if you aren’t overwhelmed by the anxiety of trying to navigate that intersection safely. And there are always lots of people totally unfamiliar with that area driving through there as tourists or locals of other parts of the city coming to visit Forest Park or destinations within the park like the St Louis Zoo. When you approach the intersection, you will see that there are so many options of directions to go and if you are unfamiliar with the territory, you might experience anxiety about how to navigate and get through it. What does this have to do with finding an anxiety therapist in St Louis, Missouri?
Nonbinary social justice advocate who struggles with anxiety in St Louis Missouri
Understanding Anxiety Symptoms for Neurodivergent and Queer or Trans Individuals
Navigating life in St. Louis as a neurodivergent queer and trans or non-binary person is no small feat, especially given the complexities of the current political and social landscape. The challenges you face, such as navigating the realities of police violence, recent efforts by the state attorney general to push anti-transgender legislation, school boards banning books in the suburbs, and an increase in hate crimes, can significantly impact your well-being and mental health. It’s completely understandable that these stressors can lead to increased anxiety and trauma. Experiencing anxiety can manifest in various ways, including racing thoughts, a racing heartbeat, excessive sweating, and sleepless nights. It's important to recognize these feelings as valid, and to seek help from someone who understands your unique experiences.
Living In St Louis - On the Plus Side
Despite these difficulties, St. Louis also offers positive aspects that can support your well-being. The city is home to a range of enriching experiences, such as free and accessible arts events, the annual Festival of Nations celebrating diverse cultures, and Tower Grove Pride, which fosters a sense of inclusion and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, the beautiful natural areas like Forest Park and Tower Grove Park provide are spaces you can access right in the city for relaxation and rejuvenation, contributing to your overall mental health.
The Importance of Affirming Liberation Therapy in St. Louis to
Empower You to Manage Anxiety
I understand how important your community and involvement in social justice are to your sense of self and well-being. These elements are central to your identity and provide grounding in your values and purpose. At the same time, finding a therapist who is affirming of your unique experiences and identities can be a significant challenge. Sometimes we may run into well-intentioned self-identified ‘allies’ who require us to educate them because they haven’t done their own work. Or worse, there are those who inflict harm due to a desire to impose their belief system on others. The relationship developed with your counseling therapist is more important than the type of therapy (or therapy modality such as CBT, EMDR, DBT, etc.) they provide, so finding someone who you can trust and feels like the right fit for you is important. And that can take some time. Just like buying shoes, you can try some on and they just don’t seem like quite the right fit for you even though they fit your best friend really well and when the fit isn’t right, they can’t help you take the steps to where you want to go.
Nonbinary neurodivergent individual participating in an online therapy session, representing accessible anxiety therapy in St. Louis
The Role of an Anxiety Therapist in St. Louis
A specialized anxiety therapist can provide a safe space where you can explore your feelings without judgment. They offer tools and techniques to soothe anxiety, helping you to navigate life's complexities with greater ease. The therapeutic relationship you develop is vital in establishing trust, which is essential for effective therapy.
This is the first in a series of blogs I’m writing to help you take some steps to find that right fit with a therapist, psychologist, coach, or counselor in St. Louis. You can count reading this blog as one of your first steps and celebrate your progress!
Queer grad student seated looking at laptop, participating in an online therapy session, representing accessible anxiety therapy in St Louis
Why You Need Affirming Therapy in St. Louis
Finding affirming therapy in St. Louis is crucial for neurodivergent and queer individuals. Therapists who are trained in gender affirming therapy can help you process experiences related to your identity, ensuring you feel understood and validated throughout your healing journey.
Decolonized Practices & Liberation Therapy in St. Louis
Decolonized therapy emphasizes cultural competence and awareness, promoting an inclusive approach to mental health. This practice recognizes the importance of historical contexts and social justice in shaping individual experiences, which is especially relevant for those from communities that have been marginalized.
EMDR Therapy in St. Louis for Anxiety Relief
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety, especially for those who have experienced trauma. In St. Louis, finding a qualified therapist who offers EMDR can be a transformative step in your healing journey.
Neurodivergent disabled person seated on couch in cozy apartment participating in an online therapy session, representing accessible anxiety therapy in St. Louis
Finding Neurodivergent Therapy in St. Louis: What to Look For
When searching for neurodivergent therapy in St. Louis, consider what approaches resonate with you. Whether it's person - centered humanistic therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive therapy, EMDR, or other modalities, the key is to find a therapist who respects and understands your identity and unique challenges.
Exploring Autism Affirming Therapy in St. Louis for Anxiety Management
If you are autistic, finding autism therapy in St. Louis can be particularly beneficial. A therapist who specializes in autism can provide targeted strategies to manage anxiety while fostering a supportive environment tailored to your needs. You will want to find a therapist who clearly states they are autism affirming or neurodivergent affirming in the therapy approach to avoid ABA which has been shown to be harmful and may contribute to trauma similar to what was called “reparative” or “conversion therapy” for queer people.
Laptop on desk with cup of tea and small plant on desk of someone searching for specialized anxiety therapy in St Louis
Tips for Finding ANxiety Therapy in St. Louis
Managing anxiety is a serious undertaking, and finding a compassionate, affirming therapist is essential. Remember, your well-being matters, and there are professionals in St. Louis who can support you in your journey toward healing.
To begin, it could be helpful to identify some professionals that can provide the support you need at this time. There are so many different professional helpers out there it can seem overwhelming. Like what’s up with all the different letters after their names? Did someone just spill their alphabet soup? Ha! No, and knowing what they mean might help you with your decision.
As I wrote earlier, this is the first in a series of blogs I’m writing to help you take some steps to find that right fit with a therapist, psychologist, coach, or counselor in St. Louis. I’ll cover how crucial it is to find a therapist who not only respects and understands your neurodivergent and/or transgender identities but also aligns with your values and therapeutic needs. I will also encourage you to consider interviewing several therapists to find the best fit for you. In another blog I’ll give you some information to help you figure more of this out including a list of questions to ask a therapist in St Louis Missouri or Oregon during a consultation call or discovery interview.
Ready to find a therapist who understands and affirms your unique identity? Schedule a discovery consultation with me, Dora. Together, we can explore your experiences and determine the best therapeutic approach for you.
