Tonya Dean is a supervised Licensed Social Worker in the State of Missouri and has more than 25 years of experience working in various capacities with children, youth, families, organizations, congregations, and communities. She works with clients from the perspective that healing is a collaborative process that takes time, practice, and love. Tonya seeks to understand the unique story of each individual as well as the many influential systems in which they live, work, and play, such as school or work environments, family or congregation life, culture and society. She's certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Currently, she's undergoing certification to become a Youth Mental Health Specialist. Tonya works with people experiencing grief or loss, including ambiguous and nonfinite loss. She also works with individuals who are exploring their spirituality or are struggling with depression, anxiety, or burnout. She has co-led support groups for widows and widowers and has co-facilitated retreats for bereaved mothers and bereaved children. Tonya has counseled teens with physical disabilities and has led support groups for their parents and caregivers. When working with teens or pre-teens, Tonya views parent and caregiver involvement as integral to the therapeutic process. Your work with Tonya will become a safe and hopeful space for you to reflect deeply, understand yourself more fully, and find new ways to be more alive in the world. You'll find permission to be right where you are. You'll find yourself being gently challenged. You'll be invited to ponder a lot of questions that may not have immediate answers. And, you'll feel that you have someone who's committed to deeply listening to your life alongside you. Tonya also works from the perspective that therapy is just one ingredient in your overall healing and wellness. Psychological and emotional wellness are intricately connected to other aspects of our well-being. If desired, you'll have the opportunity to discuss services available with 510 Counseling Group or other providers that may support you in other areas of your health, such as neurobiology, nutrition, hormone balance, or lifestyle. Tonya is supervised while she pursues clinical licensure by Laura Gilman, LCSW.