- CBT and DBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Darla
Darla McAdams is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri with eight years of clinical experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, relationship and family concerns, parenting strain, and anger. She also supports people facing trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and challenges around intimacy and self-esteem.
Her sessions are direct and practical. She listens first and then uses approaches that fit the person's goals. Darla commonly draws on client-centered work, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy to help people manage reactions and make choices they feel better about.
She has worked with younger adults who struggled with substance use, eating concerns, and low self-worth. She has also spent years supporting adults and older adults with substance use, anxiety, depression, homelessness, trauma, emotional abuse, and grief. That range shapes how she notices patterns and practical steps people can take right away.
In session she focuses on building clearer communication, managing strong emotions, and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. She uses mindful skills to reduce reactivity and CBT tools to try different responses. Motivational interviewing techniques help when someone wants to shift habits or substance use.
Sessions aim to be straightforward and goal-focused. Darla helps people set small, achievable steps and checks progress along the way. If someone wants to address anger, she works with what is happening now and what would be different when reactions change.
How her therapeutic methods translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person. It helps people feel heard and choose goals that fit their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down thoughts, feelings, and actions into pieces you can change; it is useful for anxiety, anger, and unhelpful behavior patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) brings in skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when reactions run high.Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Darla works collaboratively to decide which methods to use based on a client’s goals, needs, and preferences. She will discuss what seems most helpful and adjust the plan as progress is made.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into a busy day, for example by shortening a check-in during a work break or avoiding travel time. Other practical benefits include being able to continue regular work on skills from wherever is quieter and using screen time for worksheets or guided mindfulness practice.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship and family problems, anger, and related issues like self-esteem and intimacy.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She listens and then uses straightforward, goal-focused sessions that mix client-centered care with practical skills from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of professional experience working with younger adults, adults, and older adults on substance use, mood concerns, trauma, and grief.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri.
Which languages are supported during sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.