About Emily Barnes, Counselor

Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in unwelcome patterns or cycles. Maybe you feel isolated and alone, and long for true connection but are afraid of vulnerability. Whatever it is that weighs you down and keeps you from a full and abundant life, Emily believes that change is possible. Whether you are in the midst of a season of transition, you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of worthlessness, or your relationships are falling apart, take the first step to healing by reaching out to ask for help.

Who Emily Works With

Emily works with premarital couples, couples, and individuals over the age of 14 in O’Fallon, MO and the surrounding St. Charles County area, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. Emily specializes in trauma, relationships, transition, anxiety, and depression. She has a special heart for college students and young adults who are struggling to figure out who they are and how they want to move in the world, as well as people who are beginning to reconcile their upbringing and experiences from their family-of-origin with their current functioning in life.

If you’re interested in integrating your Christian faith with counseling, Emily is happy to provide faith-based counseling that incorporates spirituality in a way that feels authentic to you! Emily has more than 15 years of ministry experience herself, as well as serving in the role of a Pastor’s wife for 10 years!

Therapeutic Approach

Emily approaches counseling from a holistic perspective that incorporates the whole person: emotional, social, spiritual, and physical. Believing that we experience true healing and flourishing in the context of relationships, Emily strives to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can work together to explore your story and shine light into the darkness.

With individuals, Emily works primarily from an Internal Family Systems perspective with experience in Polyvagal Theory, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness incorporated as well. When working with couples, Emily uses Emotion Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method.

Emily’s ultimate goal is to provide a safe and empathetic environment where you feel more heard, seen, known, and accepted. With that in mind, Emily works with you to develop a treatment plan and counseling style that supports and encourages you on your healing journey.

Emily is also trained and certified in the Prepare Enrich program to use with premarital couples.

Background

Emily received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary. Outside the counseling room, Emily enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with her husband and two energetic boys.