Emily Balestra

Your alarm goes off and you struggle to get out of bed. Each day blends into the next, leaving you restless, anxious, and longing for something more. Maybe you feel like you can’t write another paper or take another exam? Or you perceive that your work is uninspiring and does not serve a purpose that feels worthwhile? Perhaps the weight of so much conflict in the world at large is diminishing your spirit? But you’ve still got that spark, you just need guidance to help you get back to enjoying your life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or OCD, you don’t have to face it alone.

I specialize in helping students who are managing academic stress, identity questions, anxiety, OCD, and depression. I also work with faculty and staff experiencing burnout and work-life challenges. In a supportive, nonjudgmental space I offer an authentic, client-centered approach and will help you develop tools to live with more balance and clarity.

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention Therapy, Inference Based CBT, and Mindfulness, I help clients shift unhelpful thinking, increase psychological flexibility, and build skills to manage distress. Together, we’ll work toward reducing symptoms and enhancing your connection to what matters most.

Education -Bachelor of Science in Education, Miami of Ohio, Masters in Elementary Education, Webster University, Master of Education in Counseling, University of Missouri-St. Louis

License & Certifications - Missouri Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC),  Former Missouri Certified Elementary Education Teacher

Professional Activities and Memberships- American Counseling Association, Association for Play Therapy, National Board for Certified Counselors