St. Louis therapist Dr. Lena Pearlman shares advice for teachers on dealing with students who have been traumatized -40% of school age children say they experienced a physical assault during the past year, with one in 10 receiving an assault-related injury. -25 % of children state they were the victim of robbery, vandalism or theft during the previous year. -20% of children witnessed violence in their family or the neighborhood during the previous year. -In a recent study of a school, 30% of the children reported that they had witnessed a stabbing and 26% had witnessed a shooting in the previous year. What can be done to help the children to be successful in school? -Create predictable routines in your classroom (also predictable reaction to their behaviors, outbursts, internalizing, etc.) -Give choices – traumatic events involve loss of control/chaos. Kids feel safe when they have some control. -Increase the level of support/encouragement – designate an adult who can provide additional support if necessary. -Set clear, firm limits for inappropriate behavior and develop logical rather than punitive consequences. Don’t take offense to their outburst or behaviors (this has nothing to do with you!). Realize that there will be set-backs. Have realistic expect. for success. -Provide a safe place for the child to talk about what happened (designated time and place to share). -Be sensitive to cues in the environment that may cause a reaction (storms, emergency vehicles responding, etc.) – anticipate difficult times and provide additional support (upcoming court dates, stressful times of the school year, etc). -Warn children in advance if you will be doing something out of the ordinary (intruder drill, turning out lights, etc.) -Look for ways to provide accommodations – not every traumatized child will meet criteria for an IEP, consider 504 or just best practices (shorten assignments, allow addi’ time, process for visiting designated adult, safe place, team plan for what to do if/when there is a significant behavioral outburst, etc.). ———–Fair isn’t always equal! -Team approach and outside resources – utilizing talents, strengths, and ideas from a group will provide more tools in the toolbox. This will certainly give a higher likelihood of success. — Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a therapy and counseling practice in St. Louis, Missouri. The practice specializes in working with kids, teens and adults. The five therapists provide services to those dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, and other mental health related items. The practice is located at 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141. The office phone number is 314-942-1147. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is online at www.STLmentalhealth.com. The practice provides free training and professional development for teachers, counselors, principals, and other educators in the St. Louis region.
Everybody feels down, sad or under the weather. These are all perfectly normal emotions and reactions to different situations and circumstances that one faces in day-to-day life. These feelings become a concern when they occur multiple times per day over time and/or when this becomes someone’s norm. An important step in dealing with being depressed or feeling down is to discuss this with your physician or a therapist. They can assist by working with you to understand the causes of these feelings and emotions. They can also help provide some coping strategies. Some example coping strategies are listed below: Stay Connected: Communicate with friends and families. Isolation may make the depressed feelings more pronounced. Write in a journal: Getting your thoughts and feelings onto paper can be very therapeutic. This is also something that can be reflected on and reviewed later and can be shared with your doctor or therapist. Move around: Exercise is an amazing stress release and a natural way to feel better. Any form of exercise will benefit you. Two good examples are yoga and tai chi. Decide later: Career moves and big decisions should be made when you are not in a depressed or down mood. Hobbies: Becoming involved in a fun hobby gives you something to look forward to. It also acts as a stress reducer. Learn: Reading and learning about new ideas, thoughts, skills or practically anything might make you feel more accomplished. This successful acquisition of new items will likely make you feel better. —– Dr. Lena Pearlman is the founder and clinical director of Dr. Lena Pearlman and Associates (www.STLmentalhealth.com) a mental health therapy practice in St. Louis, Missouri. The practice specializes in working with children, teens, families, and adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or other mental health related issues. The therapy team has five licensed therapists. She is an adjunct college professor and a published author. The practice provides a great deal of mental health resources online.
Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, a well-established St. Louis therapy practice, is excited to announce another phase of growth as it continues serving individuals, couples, and families throughout St. Louis County, Missouri. Known for its compassionate, evidence-based approach to mental health care, the practice has become a trusted resource for the local community. As mental health needs continue to rise across the St. Louis region, Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates remains committed to expanding access to high-quality therapy services. The practice currently includes a dedicated team of five Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) therapists and is actively seeking two additional licensed therapists to join the growing team. This expansion reflects the practice’s ongoing mission to meet increasing demand while maintaining personalized, client-centered care. Comprehensive Therapy Services in St. Louis Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates provides professional counseling and therapeutic services for a wide range of mental health concerns. The practice specializes in treating anxiety, depression, stress management challenges, relationship issues, and other emotional or psychological concerns that impact daily life. Services are tailored to support individuals at every stage of their mental health journey, from early intervention to long-term emotional wellness. Clients in St. Louis benefit from therapy that is grounded in proven clinical methods while remaining flexible and responsive to individual needs. Whether someone is seeking support for personal stress, relationship difficulties, or ongoing mental health challenges, the practice offers a safe and supportive environment for growth and healing. Experienced & Compassionate Therapy Team The strength of Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates lies in its highly qualified team of licensed therapists. Each clinician brings extensive experience, empathy, and professional expertise to their work. By expanding the team, the practice aims to reduce wait times and ensure that St. Louis residents can access timely mental health care when they need it most. The hiring of additional therapists also allows the practice to broaden service availability and continue delivering high standards of care across individual, couples, and family therapy sessions. Supporting Mental Health Education in the Community Beyond clinical services, Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates plays an active role in mental health education across St. Louis. The practice conducts monthly mental health trainings for local school district personnel and businesses throughout the area. These sessions focus on building awareness, improving emotional well-being, and promoting healthier work and learning environments. By partnering with schools and organizations, the practice helps strengthen mental health resources at a community level. This outreach reflects a deep commitment to improving overall mental wellness in St. Louis, not just within the therapy office, but throughout the region. A Trusted Mental Health Resource in St. Louis Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates continues to work tirelessly to provide reliable St. Louis mental health resources that empower individuals and families. Through professional therapy services, educational initiatives, and community engagement, the practice remains focused on making mental health care accessible, effective, and supportive. As the practice expands once again, it reinforces its dedication to serving the evolving needs of the St. Louis community with compassion, professionalism, and clinical excellence.
St. Louis therapist Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW shares 10 reasons why someone should go to therapy: 1.) Panic and anxiety 2) Life transitions and stressors 3) Conflict and relationships 4) Job stress 5) Divorce 6) Coping with illness 7) Bereavement 8) Abuse, trauma or PTSD 9) Women’s issues/Men’s issues 10) Substance abuse An experienced and skilled therapist will be able to assist with the above challenges and issues. If you need assistance locating a therapist that is a good match for you, please contact me and I will be happy to assist. Healing takes some time and effort, but this will be your first step to feeling better. The more you invest in the process, the greater the result. —— Dr. Lena Pearlman is the founder and clinical director of Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates(www.STLmentalhealth.com) a therapy and counseling practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The practice provides services to individual, couples and families, specializing in stress management, anxiety, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues.
5 Things to Look for in a Mental Health Therapist By Dr. Lena Pearlman, Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, St. Louis, Missouri “But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career.” Just like Liam Neeson’s character in the movie “Taken”, a great therapist has a particular set of skills, experiences and attributes. It is critically important that you take time to ensure that you find a therapist that is a match for your particular needs and your personality. This will significantly increase the chances of therapy being a successful experience for you. Below please find 5 things to look for in a therapist: 1.) Experience Just like a surgeon, an investment advisor, mechanic, or other profession, experience is very important. An experienced therapist will have many tools and strategies that they have used successfully in the past. These tools can be used in combinations to customize an effective treatment plan for you. 2.) Education Fortunately, in order for a therapist to be licensed, they are required to have a minimum of a Master’s degree. Included in their degree training, they are required to have successfully completed several hundred hours of hands-on practice – not to mention passed a rigorous state assessment. 3.) Trust There is no degree or test that can provide you this information. However, you can increase your odds of finding a therapist that you can trust by getting a referral from another medical professional, a trusted friend, or by doing research and reviewing feedback. 4.) Positivity and Optimism You definitely want to find a therapist that is positive in their interactions with you and that is optimistic about the possible benefits of the therapy sessions. If not, it is time to locate another therapist. A great therapist should be able to articulate a treatment plan for you. 5.) Partnership & Commitment Participating in therapy forms a bond or a partnership. It is important to know that you are partners in this relationship. It is also critical to know that the therapist is in for the “long haul”. You would hate to start this process and then have your therapist retire or relocate. — Dr. Lena Pearlman is the founder of Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates (www.STLmentalhealth.com) a therapy and counseling practice in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Pearlman has 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The practice specializes in depression, anxiety, stress management, relationships, and other mental health related issues. The team of five therapists provides counseling and therapeutic services for individuals, couples and families. The office is located at 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri 63141. The phone number is 314-942-1147.
4 Myths About Mental Health Therapy I don’t need a therapist. I’m smart enough to solve my own problems. We all have our blind spots. Intelligence has nothing to do with it. A good therapist doesn’t tell you what to do or how to live your life. He or she will give you an experienced outside perspective and help you gain insight into yourself so you can make better choices. Therapy is for crazy people. Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and want to learn tools and techniques to become more self-confident and emotionally balanced. All therapists want to talk about is my parents. While exploring family relationships can sometimes clarify thoughts and behaviors later in life, that is not the sole focus of therapy. The primary focus is what you need to change unhealthy patterns and symptoms in your life. Therapy is not about blaming your parents or dwelling on the past. Therapy is self-indulgent. It’s for whiners and complainers. Therapy is hard work. Complaining won’t get you very far. Improvement in therapy comes from taking a hard look at yourself and your life, and taking responsibility for your own actions. Your therapist will help you, but ultimately you’re the one who must do the work. From HelpGuide.org —— Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a mental health therapy practice in St. Louis, Missouri. The practice provides counseling and therapy services for individuals, couples and families. Specializing in anxiety, stress management, depression, relationships, and other mental health related issues. The practice has five experienced LCSW therapists. More information available at www.stlmentalhealth.com.
St. Louis therapy practice Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates (www.STLmentalhealth.com) has 10 things you can do to be more mentally and physically healthy. 1). Get a good night sleep. 2). Pursue a passion or interest. 3). Have a belly laugh at least a few times a day. 4). Help a charity or do something to better your community. 5). Eat fresh and healthy foods. 6). Set goals and challenge yourself. 7). Try to live in the now. 8). Walk, jog, run or do anything that gets you out of your seat. 9). Let go of grudges or other items that make you angry or stressed. 10). Listen to music, read a book and write (anything). Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a therapy practice in St. Louis, MO that provides individual, couples and family therapy and counseling. The practice specializes in depression, anxiety, stress management, relationships and other mental health related issues. The practice is located in Creve Coeur, Missouri and online at www.STLmentalhealth.com.
St Louis therapy practice, Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, is offering training sessions this Spring and Summer for educators and parents. More information will be posted when available to www.stlmentalhealth.com. The topics include – child trauma, stress management, school anxiety, oppositional and defiant behaviors, and other mental illness related topics. Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates provides therapy and counseling services to individuals, couples and families. Specializing in depression, anxiety, stress management, relationships and other mental health issues. The practice is located at 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.
St. Louis therapist – Dr. Lena Pearlman is now listed at AllTherapist.com
St. Louis Therapy Practice Working to Help Teens with Depression, Anxiety and Stress Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates (www.STLmentalhealth.com) created a promo video on youtube to help catch the attention of teens who are dealing with depression, anxiety and stress. The practice hopes that the teens and their parents contact a mental health therapy or counseling facility to receive services to avoid the potential negative impacts of mental health related issues. The video is available below or at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNILAUUk95Q Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates is a mental health therapy practice in St. Louis, Missouri. The team of five therapists works with individuals of all ages, couples and families. They specialize in depression, anxiety, stress management, relationships, and other mental health related issues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNILAUUk95Q
