Welcome to Nurtari: A St. Louis Mental Health Practice here to Nurture All the Parts of You
Launching Nurtari is more than opening a practice—it’s about creating a space where healing feels possible, hope can grow, and every part of you is welcomed with compassion.
I began my career in eating disorder treatment centers in 2008, where I had the privilege of walking alongside clients and families in some of their most difficult moments. Many individuals came to therapy after years of trying different treatments and feeling like recovery wasn’t possible. I witnessed firsthand the despair, hopelessness, and exhaustion that can take hold when people feel stuck in cycles of struggle. But I also saw the courage it takes to keep trying—and the transformative breakthroughs that can happen when the right support, tools, and understanding are in place.
Those early experiences shaped the way I practice today. They taught me that healing isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about addressing the whole person, including the body, mind, and spirit, and offering space for genuine connection and hope.
How to Choose the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps in your healing journey. Here are some tips for choosing a clinician:
Licensure Matters: Look for a fully licensed therapist rather than a provisional or associate license. Learn the difference in these credentials in your state. Fully licensed therapists meet all clinical, educational, and supervision requirements and are able to practice autonomously.
Check for Advanced Credentials: Many clinicians list modalities like EMDR, IFS, or Somatic Experiencing after participating in a webinar or through independent study. These therapeutic approaches require advanced post-graduate training. Make sure your therapist has completed formal certification or supervised training.
Match Credentials to Your Needs: If you need eating disorder support, look for a CEDS credential. For trauma, anxiety, depression, or relational challenges, choose a therapist trained in EMDR, SEP, or IFS. Credentials show a deeper commitment to specialized care and require additional training, education and consultation.
Specialized Therapy for Eating Disorders, Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Many therapists say they work with eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, or depression. What sets my work apart is the combination of specialized training, advanced credentials, and 16+ years of clinical experience I bring to each session. My training includes:
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C)
This advanced certification demonstrates expertise in the complex medical, emotional, and relational challenges of eating disorders. With the Consultant credential, I am also approved to supervise other clinicians pursuing CEDS certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
Somatic Experiencing is a body-based trauma therapy that helps restore balance and resilience in the nervous system. I am proud to serve as a Teaching Assistant for Somatic Experiencing International, supporting advanced training for other clinicians. Becoming an SEP requires 3+ years of intensive training, personal practice, supervised casework, and consultation. This credential reflects a deep understanding of how trauma is stored in the body and how it can be safely released, making it highly effective for trauma, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.
Internal Family Systems (IFS Level 1)
IFS is an advanced therapy model for trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I was trained directly by Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS, and completed Level 1 post-graduate training. This approach helps clients identify and nurture their inner “parts”—from protective parts to vulnerable ones—promoting self-compassion, internal harmony, and healthier external relationships.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, and other distressing experiences. It helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their intensity. Becoming proficient in EMDR requires specialized post-graduate training, supervised practice, and ongoing consultation. EMDR is particularly effective for clients who have tried talk therapy but still feel “stuck” in the past.
Licensure Supervision in Missouri and California
In addition to my clinical work, I am approved to provide licensure supervision in both Missouri and California. Supporting the next generation of therapists is an important part of my work. Through supervision, I help emerging clinicians deepen their skills, uphold ethical standards, and integrate specialized modalities into their practice.
Virtual and In-Person Therapy Options
I offer virtual therapy to clients throughout California, as well as in-person sessions in St. Louis, Missouri. I am currently in the process of becoming licensed in Illinois, expanding access to care for clients in the Midwest.
At Nurtari, my mission is not simply to treat symptoms, but to help you nurture all the parts of you—mind, body, and spirit—so you can move toward balance, connection, and meaning. Whether you’re seeking a St. Louis eating disorder therapist, trauma therapy in Missouri, or somatic therapy in California, my approach is grounded in compassion, advanced training, and a belief that recovery is possible.
Credentials Explained
💠 LPC-S (Missouri): Licensed Professional Counselor–Supervisor credential, allowing me to supervise provisionally licensed clinicians in Missouri as they work toward independent licensure.
💠 LPCC (California): Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credential in California, which also allows me to provide licensure supervision for associate counselors.
💠 CEDS-C: Advanced certification in eating disorder treatment, with the ability to supervise other clinicians pursuing CEDS certification.
💠 SEP: Somatic Experiencing Practitioner – 3+ years of intensive, hands-on training for trauma resolution through body-based approaches. Includes personal practice, supervised cases, and consultation.
💠 IFS: Internal Family Systems – an advanced model for trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational patterns, focusing on understanding and integrating “parts” of the self. Trained by Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS.
💠 EMDR: Evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and promoting healing. Requires advanced post-graduate training and supervision.
💠 Licensure Supervision: Approved to provide licensure supervision in Missouri and California, supporting the growth of provisionally licensed therapists.
At Nurtari, I combine professional training, hands-on clinical experience, and a deep belief that recovery is possible—even if you’ve tried before and it didn’t feel like enough.
This blog will share insights, tools, and reflections on healing, recovery, and nurturing all the parts of yourself.