Meet Allie Lehr, LMFT

You’re already stronger than you think you are.

Do you feel controlled by a past event or relationship that you just can’t shake?

Do you feel burned out and drained by constantly giving and feeling as though you aren’t getting anything in return?

Is there something keeping you from enjoying sex and intimacy?

Do you feel disconnected and misunderstood in your relationships?

Do you feel helpless watching your teenager struggle?

You’re in the right place

 

Relationships are hard AND they are what make us human.

I focus on relationships because they are at the core of how we exist in the world. Relationships exist in every part of our day and impact functioning, happiness, and our ability to engage in the world in an authentic way. I also know that relationships can be complicated, painful, and change the way we view ourselves and the people around us. Because of this, our work together will be through the lens of how you relate to yourself, others, and the world around you, ultimately helping you step into your authentic self.

Here to support you for all life’s ups and downs.

Adjusting to life’s twists and turns can be really difficult. Over the arc of your life, you can expect to experience a significant amount of change - both expected and unexpected. Major positive life transitions such as marriage, birth of a child, a new job, or moving can cause stress. Other major life transitions, such as loss of a loved one, entering the empty nest stage of life or experiencing a health-related diagnosis may cause a significant pain and loss. It’s expected that you may process and react to those changes different than your friends, partner, kids, or family. This can cause strain on relationships and leave you feeling disconnected and alone. Seeking support through life’s uncertainties can help you adjust to the changes that are out of your control.

What it’s like working with me.

In our work together, you are the expert on you. I view my job as a therapist as becoming an active participant in your growth & healing. That means meeting you where you’re at—never pushing you to a place where you aren’t ready or directing us somewhere that doesn’t feel aligned with your goals. 

Therapy with me focuses not just on what’s bringing you in today, but also on what’s shaped your life up to this point. We’ll look at things like your childhood, past experiences, beliefs about yourself, and family dynamics in order to understand yourself and your relationships better. Sometimes we’ll need to sit in the hard stuff together: the difficult emotions, experiences, and questions you haven’t felt safe sharing elsewhere. I won’t shy away from this or offer empty platitudes. The heavy, the unsaid, the never-shared-before…it’s all welcome here.

Other times we’ll challenge deep-rooted beliefs or stories you’ve been telling yourself, work on re-processing past experiences, or learn how to better tune into your body and what it’s telling you.  Every step we take is guided by your goals for healing, progress, and growth.

My guiding principles

 

Systems

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained in systems theory. This means I look at my client’s symptoms within the context of the complex systems in which they live. These factors may include relationships, social settings, education, economic class, family, friends, and childhood experiences.

 

Attachment

The way we engage in current relationships is a reflection of our past relationships. Examining these attachment patterns allows us to address and understand behaviors and emotional reactions in current relationships.

 

Trauma Informed

We have all had moments that overwhelmed our ability to cope. Trauma-informed means being aware of the impact of these experiences and responding in a way that prevents further harm.

 

Affirming

Your identity matters. I will meet you where you are today and help you journey to where you want to be. I have experience with poly systems, take a sex and body positive approach, and am LGBTQIA+ affirming. Everyone is welcome and worthy of respect.

Training & Education

 

Education and Licensure

·      MA Marriage and Family Therapy- Saint Louis University

·      BS Experimental Psychology- University of South Carolina

·      Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Missouri)

·      Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (South Carolina)

Trainings and Certifications

·      The Gottman Method- Level 1 Certification

·      Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy

·      Attachment Based Family Therapy- Level 3 Certification

·      Trained in best practices in serving transgender and gender nonconforming people

Professional Affiliations

·      American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

·      American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)