About Maria kometer, lpc

You don’t have to carry this all on your own.

I’m a St. Louis-based therapist who specializes anxiety, OCD, and couples therapy.

please Hear me when I say:

I know how much courage it takes to get here—I’ve been here myself.

This work is both professional and highly personal for me. When you work with me, you work with someone who has sat on the couch as well. I, too, have been tossed around by the overwhelming waves of my own feelings, and I consider it a privilege to sit with you in yours, even if for just a moment, to face the waves until they calm.

How I work

At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief that you make sense.

I believe deeply that your story helps us understand who you are. Therapy is an opportunity to build an authentic relationship in a non-judgmental environment—my office. And in the trust and safety of the relationship you have built with me, we can build insight and self-awareness as a path to self-compassion. From self-compassion and understanding, you are able to grow, and when you grow, you have the self-patience you need to face challenge without spiraling into shame. And when you’re centered and open to challenge and change, you can learn the skills to change your life.

Therapy with me is…

  • I do not believe in forcing you into boxes, gender stereotypes, or cliches. I consider you to be the expert on your life, and I believe in my core that each person’s story is unique. I totally geek out over hearing yours.

  • I’m not going to just nod my head at you—I will share with you my observations. Once I learn your patterns and build a relationship with you, I will challenge you to consider new perspectives. Authenticity on both ends is key!

  • My understanding of what makes therapy work is my belief that it is a relationship between us. I like to think of therapy as a conversation. We are co-creating a process of growth for you–which means I won’t just sit and listen, I will listen and interact. Sometimes I get it wrong, and you correct me, and that’s the magic of the process!

  • Whatever you may have experienced, felt, or thought, it is welcome here. While sometimes change is necessary, I believe our propensity to judge everything prematurely often keeps us in denial, and I love the opportunity to build a space for you to be authentically you and say the stuff you’ve been afraid to say. I work with clients of all gender, sexual, and relational identities–especially if judgment from yourself or others is part of your story.

specializing in:

Anxiety

OCD

Couples Therapy

My Training & Education

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

  • Masters Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  • Gottman Level 1 and Level 2

  • Acceptance and Commitment Training

  • ASIST Suicide Prevention Certified

Your needs matter, too.