Annette Arms

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. My specialties include working with neurodivergent children and adults, and the approaches I use are person-centered using a variety of integrative approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy tailored to each client's individual need(s).

My approach

I appreciate the opportunity and privilege of walking alongside clients 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. There really is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping clients, so I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual client's needs that can help them successfully meet their goals.

My focus

Many clients come to counseling looking for solutions and answers to problems, hoping for change and healing, or maybe need help finding some new direction to go. This can come about through finding courage and willingness to consider different perspectives, trying new ways of thinking, and being willing to try doing things a little differently. It is not always easy to step out and do that. I'm here to be a sounding board, to listen, support, comfort, and encourage clients along the way to achieving their goals.

My communication style

I value good communication and seek to ensure clients feel validated, heard, and fully understood. I'm very easygoing, non-judgmental, friendly, personable, and sensitive to the needs of people.

My journey to mental healthcare

I'm a therapist with many years of unique lived experiences. I'm a mom to a neurodivergent adult who is my hero and inspiration. I understand the impact that raising a child with a disability can have on a marriage, and upon individuals and families who struggle to find balance in life caring for them. I have spent many years helping children with disabilities who face difficulties in public school and have specialized training to help parents advocate for them to secure their education. I'm also a military veteran with combat experience who understands the rigors and demands of military life and the transition to civilian life after service. I love helping people, and it's a joy to help others find healing, hope, direction, and discover ways to live their best lives possible regardless of circumstances.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting is to ensure that we are working together collaboratively and strategically, making the most of our time together in each session to meet the client's goals for coming to therapy. We'll talk about the issues and come up with a plan that we will work on together. It's important for me to have the client's trust, and I work hard to ensure that our sessions are productive and meaningful. When the client and therapist are each doing their part in the therapeutic process, it goes a long way toward achieving goals with successful outcomes.

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.