LGBTQ Counseling

Providing services such as LGBTQ counseling, homosexuality counseling, and LGBT therapy, Great Oak Counseling is a team of dedicated and skilled counselors, therapists, and psychologists prepared to assist individuals through a variety of challenges. With years of experience, the staff at Great Oak Counseling helps individuals with mental health LGBT challenges, depression, anxiety, addiction, anger management and more. All of our counselors have advanced training and certification in many specialty areas including LGBTQ counseling, abuse, trauma and PTSD, and counseling for teens and children.

 

For example, Jody Petzoldt is one of our experienced professional counselors. Jody received her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling in 2010 from Southeast Missouri State University. She specializes in relationship and recovery counseling. With a background in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Jody facilitates the counseling process with a holistic approach based on connection, emotions, and sense of belonging.  This, combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques allow for healing and recovery for individuals and families presenting with various issues. Much of Jody’s experience has been working with several types of addictions including food addiction (binge eating), substance, alcohol, and sex/love. Jody also uses principles of attachment in helping improve parenting with adolescent children. Using these principles helps both child and parents connect on a deeper level.

 

Another member of our qualified staff includes Leah Crask-Ellis. Leah is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated from Central Methodist University in 2013 with a Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling. Leah most often approaches therapy from person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness theories but draws on other theories and practices to best suit her clients. Leah has a variety of therapeutic experiences including inpatient and outpatient settings and addressing concerns such as substance use, serious and chronic mental illness, suicidality, relationship difficulties, grief, depression, anxiety, and sexual and gender identity concerns in children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Leah has specialized training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and WPATH Standards of Care for working with transgender individuals. Leah has been active in suicide prevention and working with survivors of suicide loss. She has presented at state and regional conferences on suicide prevention in LGBTQ populations and with co-occurring disorders. Leah has a strong foundation in sexuality studies and embraces the diversity of the human experience. She sees the client as an expert in their own life and her role is to guide them back to their own expertise through self- exploration, and growth while finding greater balance in their life.

 

If you or a loved one is looking for LGBTQ counseling, or specifically searching to find “LGBTQ counseling near me”, then please reach out to the team at Great Oak Counseling. At Great Oak Counseling, we consider it a privilege to assist you in your journey. To set up an appointment or ask for additional information about any of our services or workshops, please give our team a call at 573.271.2008 or send an email to info@greatoakcounseling.com. With years of experience, our staff is able to help individuals in need of LGBTQ counseling, depression or anxiety therapy, addiction or anger management counseling, and more. Rest assured that, at Great Oak Counseling, you will receive compassionate and effective care.

 

The Great Oak is a symbol of courage and power, gaining strength from deep roots that grow and develop through patience and persistence. As a Great Oak tree matures, its ability to withstand rain, wind, storm and other toxic intruders is unparalleled. The tree’s patience, endurance, and strength are then able to produce some of the most beautiful and inspiring forms of life. As professional counselors, the philosophy of Great Oak Counseling is consistent with this symbolism of the Great Oak. We believe all people have the capacity to grow, be courageous and endure patiently. Through the challenges we experience, we increase our capacity to heal and grow stronger. To set up an appointment or ask any questions you might have about LGBTQ counseling, please give our team a call at 573.271.2008.