I have a Master of Arts degree in forensic psychology and have maintained a career within the criminal justice system for over two decades. In addition, I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor, in Missouri, for over eight years. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. My purpose in life is to inspire, empower and support others so they can develop into, and function from, their best selves. This fueled my desire to form Stronger Than Fear, LLC, a company that offers coaching, therapy, and empowerment services, and to publish the Stronger Than Fear Empowerment Journal.

Hello there! I'm Arkila J. Covington, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and groups grow personally and emotionally. With a diverse educational background and extensive experience, I've been fortunate to guide countless clients on their journeys, overcoming obstacles, achieving goals, and adopting practical behavior modifications that improve their personal and professional lives. From the St. Louis, MO Housing Projects, I learned ambition, tenacity, and determination. Despite facing adversity, I excelled academically and pursued higher education alongside my siblings. With dual master's degrees in Sociology/Criminal Justice and Counseling Psychology, plus a bachelor's degree in Psychology, my educational background enriches my skills in my practice. With roles such as Membership Marketing Manager and Wraparound Facilitator, I understand human behavior and societal dynamics. My strengths lie in developing emotional intelligence and anger management skills. I specialize in trauma and support parents in compassionate parenting. Your thoughts and emotions are safe with me; I create a non-judgmental space. My integrative approach draws from various methods to meet your needs. Building a solid therapeutic alliance is my priority. I thrive when working with individuals who are open to incorporating the Word of God as a tool to address mental health challenges. Together, we'll explore new techniques through assignments, role-play, and experimental therapy. Let's work together and empower you to overcome any hurdles and achieve the fulfilling life you deserve!

Hi! My name is Diane Bales MS, LMHC, LPC. I am passionate about what I do. I love walking with clients through their journey of healing. I am known for really caring about my patients and I think that shows. I use an eclectic approach to treatment. I feel that everyone is different and not one approach works for everyone. I want my clients to feel that they have accomplished or overcome something during their time in therapy.

I am an experienced licensed counselor with dual licensures in Missouri (LPC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I am also a licensure supervisor for associate licensed counselors in NC. I am adept at teletherapy and love connecting with my clients virtually. I have taught counseling and psychology coursework for over 20 years and am knowledgeable on different therapeutic approaches to fit my client's needs.

Finding a therapist you can identify with, feeling heard & accepted can be a challenging feat. Therapists are not one size fits all. We are people with problems, just like you. I offer you over 20 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse treatment world. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology (2001) and a graduate degree (2006) in professional counseling. With working 10 of those years in a hospital setting, I also have a decent handle on possible medical issues you might need to be referred for. After more life experience, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2016 and opened my private practice. I can't tell you all the answers to life's problems, but together we can come to what the best decision will be for you in particular. Your goals and values are worth exploring. Your likes and dislikes matter. Your happiness is not selfish.