Judy Koehler
I think it is important that a therapist have the “other side of the room” experience and know what it is like to be a client as well as a therapist. I found counseling very rewarding during various seasons in my life. I thought about becoming a counselor while working as a part time administrative assistant in a Christian counseling office while my girls were young. After three subsequent years as a staffing coordinator in a large, eldercare facility, I had older girls and the opportunity to go back to school. I was blessed to have the support of my husband to get my Master’s in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary.
After completing my post-graduate clinical work, I fulfilled the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. Those letters after my name mean that I have a Master’s degree in counseling, state licensure (LPC, #2007031021), and I also became a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). These boards, and other organizations in which I hold membership, ensure that you receive a qualified counselor with high ethical standards. My business, Judy Koehler, LPC, LLC, is a licensed legal corporation registered in the State of Missouri, as well.
It was not long before my post-graduate supervision helped me discover my passion for working with couples. I liked the fact that science supports the efficacy of Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling, so I completed both training and supervision in this special way of working with couples. Still, I found that some couples were struggling so badly in the relationship that one of them was leaning out while the other was desperate for reconciliation, so I went on to get certification in Discernment Counseling in 2015. I consider on-going training very important so I regularly update my counseling skills in these and other areas of my practice.
When I don’t have my nose in a counseling book, I like to simply enjoy my family. My husband, Ed, and I have been happily married since 1979. He is very fun to be around, as well as a wonderful illustrator of children’s materials. We have two lovely, grown daughters, a son-in-law, a son-in-law-to-be, and a very cute granddaughter, if I do say so myself. I love to work in my garden and cook particularly ethnic dishes, soups and salad dressings. My family has been very kind in letting me experiment on them with new recipes.
Education
Cum Laude graduate with a Master of Arts – Counseling degree from Covenant Theological Seminary. My seminary background permits me to integrate a Christian-faith perspective into therapy, if desired.
Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of Missouri – St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Emphasis in oral and interpersonal communication. Male-female communication was a particular area of interest even back then.
Additional Experience
- Past President of Psychotherapy St. Louis.
- Previous Contract Counselor with Lutheran Family & Children’s Services, a United Way community mental health agency.
- Current facilitator of a monthly Care for the Caregiver Support group for a large eldercare facility in St. Louis.
- Speaker for the Alzheimer’s Association.
- 15 years experience as primary caregiver of several family members.
- 2 years as Congregational Care Coordinator for a large, local church.
Professional Affiliations
- American Association of Christian Counselors
- American Counseling Association
- Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri
- Psychotherapy St. Louis, Past President
Voluntary Affiliations
- Current Alzheimer’s Association volunteer and speaker (8 years)
- Past Board Member, Head of the Chaplain’s Committee, and Current Caregiver Support Group Facilitator (6+ years)
- Past Counseling Volunteer for Pregnancy Resource Centers operated by Thrive St. Louis
Contact Me
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