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Learn More About Working With Me

Learn what to expect, whether we are a good fit, and how working with me is structured

This page will help you understand:

  • What it's like to work with me

  • Who I work best with

  • How sessions are structured

  • Practical details you may need to feel confident moving forward

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Many of My Clients Come To Me With...

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ANXIETY & STRESS

Persistent worry, tension, inability to relax, or hypervigilance that hasn't fully resolved with insight alone, and often shows up in the body, nervous system, or sleep.

02

LOW SELF-ESTEEM

A harsh inner voice, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or feeling fundamentally "not enough," even if outwardly successful or capable

03

TRAUMA & DYSREGULATION

Past experiences that continue to shape emotional reactions, sense of safety, or relationships; feeling stuck in old patterns

04

EMOTIONAL OVERWHELM

Strong emotions, internal tug-of-wars, or feeling pulled in different directions internally, making it difficult to feel settled or decisive

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RELATIONSHIP DIFFICULTIES

Repeating dynamics in relationships, difficulty with boundaries, closeness, or trust; feeling unseen or disconnected from others

06

EXPLORING IDENTITY, MEANING, & DIRECTION

Questions about purpose, values, spirituality, or life direction, especially during transitions or periods of growth and change

Many of the people I work with have already tried therapy, coping tools, or personal growth work, and still feel like something essential hasn't fully shifted.

Alternative Therapy STL Testimonials

“With Emma, you can go on a lovely trip inwards if you want to heal your inner world in a professional, safe, and personal setting and place.

 

I think she’s a lovely person, she’s so supportive, creative and grounded, a great listener, knows what she’s doing and willing to help you the best she can.”

- P.O.

“The best thing about Emma is that she SAW me. I felt seen and accepted immediately. It’s Emma's ability to turn your perceived weaknesses into strengths that was so different from any other help I’ve received. For someone that is super critical of everything I do, this was the real game-changer- to see my patterns, accept them, and then use them to my advantage.

- Riss W.

“Emma is an incredible therapist and person. She is highly intuitive, empathetic, and is able to hold the space for you as you process your emotions and situations in your life. She is able to sort through different experiences and help you find clarity in the chaos. I highly recommend Emma as a therapist.”

- Past Therapy Client

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How Working Together is Structured

In 3 Simple Phases

1

Initial Consultation

The consultation is a 45-minute conversation designed to create clarity and determine mutual fit. This is an orientation to how I work and a chance for me to understand, at a high level, what brings you in.

 

I’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your goals, patterns, and what you’ve already tried, saving deeper exploration for later sessions.

There is no pressure to commit. If it feels aligned for both of us, we’ll talk through next steps. If not, I’ll be transparent about that too. My goal is clarity and right fit, not persuasion.

2

Integrative Assessment

The integrative assessment is a structured, 2-session phase designed to help us understand the full picture of what’s happening for you. 

Together, we map how your past experiences, preferences, strengths, life circumstances, symptoms, presenting concerns, and goals interact.

 

This allows us to identify what is actually sustaining your challenges, what’s already working, and where change is most likely to be effective.

This helps prevent wasted effort and false starts. Instead of cycling through approaches and hoping something clicks, we develop a clear map that guides our work and increases the likelihood that the tools we use lead to meaningful change.

3

Collaborative Work

After the assessment, we move into ongoing sessions with clarity and direction. Sessions are collaborative, responsive, and tailored to you.

Depending on what’s most relevant, our work may include nervous system regulation, trauma-focused therapy, parts work, spiritual counseling, lifestyle support, meaning- and values-based exploration, or other integrative approaches. I use a variety of techniques I am trained and certified in (you can view them below).

 

Over time, the focus shifts from managing symptoms to building capacity, agency, and self-trust, so that change is sustainable and increasingly self-directed.

My goal is not to offer open-ended therapy without direction or progress. My work is designed to support real change, not dependency.

Ways to Work Together

I offer a few distinct ways to work together, depending on your goals, needs, location, and what will be most helpful for you at this stage.

You do not need to decide which option is right before reaching out. During the consultation and assessment process, we clarify the most appropriate container together so our work is grounded and ethical. 

1

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is licensed mental healthcare available to clients in Missouri and Illinois. It may include integrative approaches when appropriate.

Therapy often focuses on emotional health, trauma, nervous system regulation, relational patterns, and psychological growth. It helps people gain relief from symptoms to reclaim mental wellness. For many clients, psychotherapy provides the primary container for deep and lasting change.

2

Integrative & Holistic Services

These services focus on whole-person wellness, personal growth, and functional support outside of psychotherapy. These services may include coaching, functional wellness, spiritual counseling, nutrition, and other integrative approaches.

Integrative services can be offered standalone or as a complement to psychotherapy, depending on your needs and location. We determine the most appropriate structure together to ensure the work is ethical and aligned with your needs.

3

Intensive Sessions

Intensive sessions offer extended time for focused work when depth, momentum, or specific goals would benefit from a longer container. They are also a good fit for people seeking accelerated resolution or whose schedules favor longer, less frequent (3+ hour) sessions. 

Intensives are optional, and we will decide together whether they are a match for your needs. Intensives are chosen thoughtfully and scheduled intentionally, based on readiness, goals, and anticipated efficacy.

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Integrative Techniques I Use in Practice

My work is integrative by design. Below are techniques I regularly work with and am formally trained in. We will work together to decide which approaches are the best fit for you so the change process is intentional and transformative.

Internal Family Systems

Depth Hypnosis

Somatic Therapy

Spiritual Counseling

Neurofeedback

Holistic Wellness Coaching

Functional Medicine

Functional Nutrition

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy

Psychedelic Integration

Shamanic Counseling

Trauma Releasing Exercises

You can learn more about how I use these approaches on the techniques page using the button below. 

Learn More About Techniques

Fees & Investment

My fees reflect the level of training, preparation, presence, and individualized attention involved in my work.

Initial Consultation (45 minutes): $175

Integrative Assessment Sessions (65 Minutes Each): $225

Psychotherapy & Integrative Sessions (65 minutes): $225

Intensives, KAP sessions, and neurofeedback are priced separately depending on length and structure

You will always have clarity about fees before moving forward.

Practical Considerations

Session Length & Structure

Most sessions are 65 minutes. This allows enough time to slow down, work at depth, and integrate insight rather than rushing toward surface-level solutions. Longer sessions support nervous system regulation and meaningful progress without feeling rushed.

Intensive sessions and extended formats are available when appropriate and discussed collaboratively.

Insurance & Payment

I do not work directly with insurance. This allows me to practice outside the constraints of medical necessity, diagnosis-driven care, and high-volume caseloads, so I can deliver the best possible service. I accept HSA, FHA, credit cards, and debit cards.
 

Many clients choose to use out-of-network benefits if available, and I can provide documentation upon request. This practice does not offer sliding scale at this time. 

Caseload & Availability

I intentionally limit the size of my caseload so I can offer focused, attentive care. This allows me to prepare thoughtfully, track patterns over time, and show up fully present in sessions. This structure supports continuity and depth for the clients I work with.

 

If I am not the right fit or do not have space, I will be transparent and help you consider appropriate next steps.

A Note on Commitment

This work is best suited for people who are ready to engage consistently and thoughtfully in the process. Meaningful change tends to happen when sessions are regular and the work has continuity. Some trauma-focused approaches require weekly sessions to be used safely and effectively.

Are We The Right Fit? 

The depth and effectiveness of this work depends not only on my training and background, but on how we engage together.

We May Be a Good Fit If...

  • You value a holistic approach, and want to understand how emotional, relational, physical, and existential factors interact

  • You are self-aware and want to reflect on your inner world, patterns, and choices

  • You see your healing and growth as an active process you’re excited to engage in

  • You are open-minded and curious about yourself

  • You want support that balances compassion for your suffering with honesty and growth over time

If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. There is no expectation to have everything figured out yet. I am here to help you.

We May Not Be a Good Fit If...

  • You are looking for a single technique or quick fix without broader context

  • You want emotional support, but you are not ready to work to change right now

  • You want to be rescued or fixed

  • You are not ready to engage actively or take ownership of your healing process

  • You prefer a highly prescriptive or protocol-driven approach

If this sounds like where you’re coming from right now, a different style may serve you better at this time.

Testimonial

"Emma is truly an exceptional practitioner. Trained as a therapist and multi-dimensional healer, Emma brings a unique blend of expertise to her practice, using her skills as a systems thinker to delve deeply into the root causes of her clients' health challenges. Emma doesn't just address symptoms; she works tirelessly to understand the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, guiding her clients towards lasting change. Her personalized and compassionate guidance empowers her clients to achieve wellness. I highly recommend Emma to anyone seeking comprehensive, transformative care."

-RACHEL ROSENKOETTER

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Take the Next Step

I support you in taking whatever step feels right for you right now. Learn more about my work or reach out to me when you're ready.

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Not Ready to Book Yet?

You can start with a free whole-person snapshot to clarify what's most relevant for you right now.

Contact Me
Got a question? Want to connect professionally? Reach me here. 

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Email: alternativetherapystl (at) gmail.com

If you are experiencing a crisis, for a mental health emergency, please contact St. Louis Behavioral Health Response at 314-469-4908 or the national suicide and crisis hotline at 988. Both numbers offer 24/7 support.

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© 2020-2026 by Emma Donovan, MA, LPC, LCPC and Alternative Therapy STL, LLC in Saint Louis, Missouri. All Rights Reserved.

NPI Number: 1093354979

Missouri LPC License Number: 2020009137

Illinois LCPC License Number: 180013776

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