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Hi, my name is Annette Arms, and I am a licensed professional counselor, and a nationally certified counselor who is EMDR trained living and working in southwest Missouri serving clients throughout the state via telehealth. I work with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and families dealing with a variety of mental health conditions. My specialties include working with neurodivergent children and adults, and the approaches I use are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming, and person-centered using a variety of integrative approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to name a few, all tailored to each client's individual need(s).
My approach
There really is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating mental health. I believe it is important to tailor a treatment plan with treatment approaches that meet each client's individual need(s). I use an integrative approach to therapy and believe it is important to involve the client in designing a treatment plan using approaches that best meet their specific needs.
My focus
I appreciate the opportunity and privilege of walking alongside clients from many different backgrounds and walks of life helping them experience healing, rediscover hope, and find purpose while exploring the best solutions and treatment options for the difficulties and challenges they may be facing. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, families, couples, and older adults as well to treat a variety of issues including ADHD, OCD, Behavioral Issues, Codependency, Coping Skills, Developmental Disorders, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiance, Parenting, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues, Adolescents/Teens, Autism, Thought Disorders, Depersonalization/derealization (DPDR)
My communication style
The decision to seek counseling is often not an easy one. Creating an environment where clients feel at ease to be themselves so they can talk openly and freely about what they are dealing with is such an important part of therapy. Helping clients feel safe, accepted, validated, and understood is such an important part of helping clients meet their goals for therapy. I'm easygoing, non-judgmental, friendly with a sense of humor, personable, and sensitive to the unique and diverse needs of people from different backgrounds and walks of life.
My journey to mental healthcare
I've always found myself being drawn to advocacy befriending and helping people in need of support for the problems they face. Especially people who have no voice, or have been marginalized, discriminated against, or face challenges that hinder them from being included in mainstream society. I have many unique lived experiences both professionally and personally as a therapist, combat veteran, parent advocate, and mom to an amazing neurodivergent adult who has taught me so much about people and about life. It is a privilege and an honor to walk alongside people on their mental health journeys to help them find solutions, hope, help, and healing!
My goals for you
During your first session we will take some time to get to know each other and talk about how you are feeling, and what you've been dealing with that is bringing you to counseling. It may be necessary for me to ask a few questions in order to get a full understanding of the issues and challenges you are facing so we can set meaningful goals for your therapy. There will also be some intake paperwork to complete during the initial visit and answer any questions you may have. My goal is to help you feel at ease and make the most of your therapy sessions.
My first session with you
During the first session I would like to hear from you about how you are feeling, and what you've been dealing with that is bringing you to counseling. It is important for me to be able to ask some questions in order to get to know you better and have a full understanding of the issues and challenges you are facing. Therapy is more successful and meaningful when there is a good relationship between the client and the therapist. in the first session, we'll also work on establishing a connection so I can get a good sense of how we should move forward to best help you achieve your therapy goals.
