CREVE COEUR COMMUNITY COUNSELING

 

Meet our Interns
Stephen Gerst

Stephen Gerst

GRADUATE COUNSELING INTERN

Phone: (314) 991-0100 Ext. 708
Email: sgerst@cccastl.com
Session Format(s): In Person & Virtual
Session Type(s): Individual, Couples, Family

Meet Stephen

“If there is meaning in life at all, then there must be meaning in suffering.”
― Viktor Frankl

Many people feel overwhelmed by mental illness, trauma, loneliness, disappointment, loss, and
grief. I believe that through a combination of therapeutic techniques and genuine support hope
can be found to endure any situation.

Everyone has different reasons for coming to therapy, so my goal is to help you find what works
best for you. Whether you need someone to vent to or need a specific intervention my job is to
do whatever is within my ability and training to help relieve your stress and help you grow as a
person. I hope that no matter your situation I can help you to find peace of mind and to work
alongside you as you discover how to make beneficial changes in your circumstances or mindset.

By searching for a counselor, you’re taking a step towards change and recovery. With my clients,
I provide a supportive environment to work through the current struggles you are facing.
Whether you are deeply suffering or purely in need of making some adjustments I can provide a
setting that will help promote mental clarity.

BRYAN WAGNER

BRYAN WAGNER

GRADUATE COUNSELING INTERN

Phone: (314) 991-0100 Ext. 701
Email: bwagner@cccastl.com
Session Format(s): In Person & Virtual
Session Type(s): Individual, Couples, Family

Meet Bryan

Bryan brings a wealth of life experience into his work as an internship counselor.  His training as a meditation teacher and acupuncturist has given him a unique perspective on mental health.  He views health holistically addressing the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational levels.  Before becoming a counselor, Bryan taught and led groups in meditation and breathwork.  He created and co-owned a sliding-scale acupuncture clinic designed to make alternative health care affordable. Because of previous experience, he is very familiar with mind/body practices to promote mental, emotional, and physical health. 

Bryan is a certified facilitator for The Work of Byron Katie, which is a process to help people overcome stressful judgements and beliefs. This process uses the painful judgements we have of others to help us find greater freedom and heal broken relationships.

When working with clients, Bryan emphasizes self-compassion along with self-awareness, facilitating clients to find their own way to meet life’s challenges. He believes that everyone has their own inner wisdom to guide them, but sometimes lose clarity.  Helping restore this inner vision is one of the goals of therapy. Bryan’s approach is gentle, nonjudgment and curious, encouraging self-responsibility.

Bryan personally understands what it is like to come from a marginalized community.  Having grown up as a gay person in a conservative religious family in the 1970’s and 80’s, he has seen how religion and spirituality can be abusive and oppressive. These experiences have propelled him to dig deep within himself to find peace and resolution. This journey inspires Bryan to be there for others as they meet the challenges of their particular life circumstances.

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MAGGI GEISZ

MAGGI GEISZ

GRADUATE COUNSELING INTERN

Phone: (314) 991-0100 Ext. 709
Email: mgeisz@cccastl.com
Session Format(s): In Person & Virtual
Session Type(s): Individual, Couples, Family

Meet Maggi

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” -Seneca

You aren’t sure when it happened, but you suddenly realize your self-confidence is lacking and you are second guessing each and every decision that comes your way. You feel overwhelmed and are unsure how to regain control of your emotions. You long for positive change, but don’t know where to turn. Seeking counseling can be a daunting task, but taking the first step to find a therapist can often lead to new beginnings. a passion for helping and an eagerness to support others in their mental and emotional wellness and development which has led me to the counseling profession.

A background in psychology and school counseling has provided me the opportunity to work with both children of varying age groups and their families to support students’ social-emotional health. Working with children has given me a passion for helping and an eagerness to support others in their mental and emotional wellness. Together, we will work to identify goals related to your overall well-being and develop strategies to overcome any obstacles you feel you may encounter along the way. 

As a therapist, I will give you a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where you can be your genuine self. I will provide empathetic reflection and insight to support you as you explore, grow, and heal. I thank you for giving me the chance to be a small part of your new beginning.

Abigail Serafin

Abigail Serafin

GRADUATE COUNSELING INTERN

Phone: (314) 991-0100 Ext. 703
Email: aserafin@cccastl.com
Session Format(s): In Person & Virtual
Session Type(s): Individual, Couples, Family

Meet Abigail

Many people seek therapy as a way to find healing. I believe everyone has an internal capacity to heal; often we just need support in cultivating skills to find the place of healing within ourselves.

As a therapist, I work in the space between our feelings and physical bodies to bridge the two in order to more holistically process emotions and trauma. I also strive to understand people in the context of their environment, recognizing the myriad of systemic societal factors and identities that influence mental health and trauma.

In working with clients, I create an open, empathetic, and collaborative space to foster healing and growth. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, utilizing aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy as well as solution-focused and mindfulness-based techniques in my approach to therapy. I welcome clients questioning and/ or exploring their sexual and gender identities.

My goal is to create a space without judgment, where you feel comfortable showing up as your authentic self. In this space, I will support you in empowering yourself throughout where your journey takes you.

HANNAH GIANNANTI

HANNAH GIANNANTI

GRADUATE COUNSELING INTERN

Phone: (314) 991-0100 Ext. 702
Email: hgiannanti@cccastl.com
Session Format(s): In Person & Virtual
Session Type(s): Individual, Couples, Family

Meet Hannah

Searching for a counselor can be daunting and can make many people feel nervous and hesitant due to the vulnerability it takes to begin a new counseling relationship. It’s hard to take that first step in reaching out, and I hope to make that first step a little easier and feel a little safer.

As a counselor, I view my role as a partner to my clients. I am here to listen without judgment, respect your autonomy, and support you in what you need in the present. I am here to walk alongside you when looking into your past, and honor what you want for your future.

I personally have been in counseling for about 10 years and I know what it’s like to be the client. We will go at your pace, and explore what you want to explore. Whatever background, culture, or community you are part of, it is important to me to create a space where you can feel safe to be exactly who you are.

As human beings, we are complex with layers of experiences, emotions, identities, and beliefs that are ever evolving. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, heartbroken, or have gone through trauma, oppression, or significant transition, we will work together to find a path toward healing and growth.

Rachel Radford

Rachel Radford

GRADUATE COUNSELING INTERN

Phone: (314) 991-0100 Ext. 704
Email: rradford@cccastl.com
Session Format(s): In Person & Virtual
Session Type(s): Individual, Couples, Family

Meet Rachel

Imagine going through your day stress and worry-free, accompanied by the tools and skills you need to succeed in dealing with everyday struggles. No longer feeling tied down by your thoughts, emotions, and past experiences and traumas.

Making the step to better your mental health can be scary and overwhelming. If you feel stuck in your current life, struggling with hopelessness, loneliness, irritability, low self-esteem, anxiety, identity, overwhelmed, or dealing with relationship struggles, you are not alone and do not have to go through your journey alone. I can assist you in making that first step towards a new understanding of yourself, healing, and growth.

If you want to improve your overall well-being or begin to make changes, I can tailor a treatment specifically for you. As a therapist, I am committed to listening to and providing the tools and resources a client needs to gain a deeper understanding of their self and needs and how to live their life as their most authentic self. I am passionate about working with LBGTQ+ clients, those struggling with trauma, those struggling with identity, clients interested in working on loving themselves, and children and adolescents, and young adults. Let us meet collaboratively to work on your journey toward healing.

“Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you does not mean you can, should,
or need to do it alone.”
-Lisa Olivera

Can't Find an Appointment Time?

We will have more appointments available in mid-May 2023.

Please sign up for our waitlist to be notified of future available appointments.

Creve Coeur Community Counseling is staffed by graduate counseling interns in the final semesters of their graduate counseling programs at local universities. They are under the supervision of licensed professionals. Our interns work closely with their supervisors and other staff to give clients the best care possible.

Our interns offer both virtual and in-person counseling sessions.