Rachel C. Smith LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
314.810.7407
Hi. I'm Rachel.
I am quite convinced I have the best job in the world and I genuinely love going to work each day. However, I am acutely aware that going to therapy can be quite overwhelming and sometimes downright terrifying. After all, as the client, you are inviting a stranger into your story and places of pain and suffering. It is a deeply tender and vulnerable experience. I get it.
So, as a potential future client, I believe you deserve to not only know what you are walking into, but who you are walking into it with.
Below you will find pieces of my story and my heart. You will find a glimpse into who I am and my posture toward my clients. If, after reading, you believe I might be able to serve you well, I would love the chance to connect and learn how I might walk alongside of you in your journey of healing.
My Training and Background
From a very young age, I knew I desired to become a counselor. Consequently, following high school, I worked toward and obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies immediately followed by my Master of Arts in Counseling. After graduation, I worked in a residential and intensive outpatient treatment setting for 5 years. During this time, I gained invaluable experience working intensively with those who struggled with the effects of trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
After many years of working in the world of treatment, I opened up my own private practice to continue to offer treatment to those suffering the effects of trauma, abuse, and eating disorders; as well as to pursue my additional passion of marital and couples counseling.
I have been practicing as a licensed counselor in the state of Missouri for 14 years and have continued to pursue educational opportunities.
Extended training includes:
-Internal Family Systems Level 1
-Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship
-Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1
-Advanced Counseling Certificate from The Allender Center (trauma and abuse focused)
Want to Know More About Me?
I am about as introverted as they come -- a quiet internal processor and deep thinker -- who simultaneously refuses to remain quiet on the things that matter. I know and trust my voice; and I use it.
I fought severe depression, suicidal ideation, and an eating disorder as a teenager because trauma finds a way to express itself.
I married my college sweetheart in our friend's living room because small and intimate is my jam.
I had 4 baby girls in 5 years because life often happens real fast.
I eventually came to terms with the spiritual and religious trauma I had endured because that harm is insidious and deep.
And I fight to maintain my own freedom and healing every day because it's worth it.
If you choose me as your counselor, you will have one who has suffered and has been wounded.
You will not be alone.
If you choose me as your counselor, you will have one who holds hope and believes light overcomes the darkness.
You will have an encourager.
If you choose me as your counselor, you will have one who sides with truth and fights fiercely for those she cares about .
You will have an advocate.
If you choose me as your counselor, you will have one who is steadfastly loyal and a faithful partner in healing.
You will have an ally.
I am a passionate and dedicated counselor who longs to see healing and redemption in the lives of the wounded and the broken.
It's what I do.
And I wouldn't want to be doing anything else.