Female Empowered Progressions — Empowering Black Women Through Healing in St. Louis

"You've come seeking assistance, healing, and compassion."

Profile of a Black woman with a long braided ponytail against a yellow background, symbolizing strength and identity. Empowering image representing cultural pride and self-awareness, used to reflect themes of identity, self-expression, and mental wel
Evocative visual metaphor for reflection, hope, and emotional clarity—mirroring the transformative journey clients take through trauma-informed cou

How Therapy Works!

  • Reach out! We will schedule a free 15-minute consultation to find out if we are a good fit.

  • If we make a great fit, we can find a time that works for both of us to meet up every week. I'll send over access to the portal so you can easily fill out any necessary documents and intake forms.

  • During our first session, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other better. I will use the intake forms you provide to gather important information about you. Following our initial meeting, we can schedule weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions to continue our work together.

Calm and inviting therapy space promoting emotional safety and comfort—designed to reflect a grounded, healing environment for mental health sessions.

“You deserve a space that sees you, that uplifts you, and that honors the journey you’ve been on. At Female Empowered Progressions, we’ve created that space—a space where healing and transformation are at the forefront.”

Empowering, Culturally-Aware, and Personalized Mental Health Services in Clayton, St. Louis City & County, Richmond Heights.

You’ve carried enough pain. It’s time for healing that sees you.
You’ve spent years trying to hold everything together, navigating toxic relationships, surviving childhood wounds, managing constant guilt, and putting everyone else’s needs above your own. On the outside, people may see you as accomplished, capable, and strong. But inside, you feel exhausted, unseen, and still haunted by the voice of people who made you question your worth. You may even wonder if healing is truly possible for someone like you.

Here, your story won’t be minimized or dismissed.
I specialize in working with women who’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, invalidation, and trauma that still echoes in their daily lives. Many of my clients carry invisible scars, nightmares, panic, self-blame, and the ache of bonds broken with children or family. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can release the shame, process the grief, and finally start untangling from the fear and “what-ifs” that keep you stuck.

Healing doesn’t mean rushing to “move on.” It means reclaiming yourself.
Through trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, and gentle, somatic approaches, I help women reconnect with their bodies, voices, and inner truth. We’ll work on grounding your nervous system, challenging old patterns of self-blame, and rediscovering what healthy love and safety feel like. This is a place where your feelings make sense, your boundaries are respected, and your worth isn’t up for debate.

You don’t have to do this alone anymore.
If you’re ready to stop minimizing your pain and start believing in your right to peace, freedom, and joy, this is your invitation. Healing isn’t about going back to who you were before the trauma. It’s about becoming the version of yourself who finally feels safe, strong, and whole. You’ve survived so much already. Now it’s time to let yourself heal.

I know how complicated it feels to want freedom and still feel tied to the past.
Part of you may still miss the person who hurt you. You may still hear their voice in your mind, or feel guilty for walking away. This doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you were trauma-bonded, and your nervous system is still trying to untangle what happened. In our work, we’ll honor those feelings without judgment and slowly rewire your brain and body to release the grip of that old story.

Your worth has never been up for debate.
Even if you grew up with a parent who blamed you for everything. Even if partners made you believe you were “too much” or “not enough.” Even if you’ve lost relationships along the way because you finally stood up for yourself. None of those experiences define you. Here, we’ll begin rewriting those messages, so you can step into relationships, parenting, and career spaces knowing you are enough, just as you are.

This is where the cycle ends.
You don’t have to repeat the patterns of chasing, over-giving, or settling for less. You can have relationships rooted in respect and reciprocity. You can raise your children in safety and love without repeating the past. You can trust yourself again. Healing is possible, not because someone else says so, but because deep down, you already know you deserve it. And I’ll walk beside you every step of the way.

Good News! September 2025 Update: Female Empowered Progressions is currently welcoming new clients! Virtual sessions only at this time. Insurance and sliding scale options available for affordability.


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What People Are Saying:

“Lacita is the best counselor I have ever experienced. She is very attentive and provides great guidance in getting you where you want to be in life. She is great!”

— N.C.

“Words cannot express how truly I feel right now. Ms. Lacita has truly been a life changing force in my life. She’s highly professional, compassionate, caring, and truly an amazing therapist who has helped me to heal and process past traumas of childhood bullying and abusive relationships. Coming to her for therapy has caused me to re-align with myself and it has truly empowered me to love me again. For the first time, I learned to accept me again. She gave me the tools to navigate the worst traumas and come out of it. I highly recommend her services and I promise you will not be the same after leaving out of the first session. I’m so grateful for her and her lifestyle work with helping to empower women to live again. She has truly helped me to become whole again. I highly recommend her. She is my therapist for life!!!!!”

— D.W.

Our Services

  • Relationship Trauma

    Navigating the wounds left by past or current relationships takes a huge amount of courage. Our approach to relationship trauma focuses on helping you untangle patterns of emotional pain, codependency, or attachment struggles. We offer a safe, compassionate space to process betrayal, abandonment, or toxic dynamics, helping you rebuild trust, reclaim your voice, and form healthier connections.

  • Boundaries & Assertiveness

    If saying “no” feels hard or you find yourself people-pleasing at the cost of your peace, you’re not alone. Learning to set and maintain boundaries is an act of self-respect. Our work together will focus on increasing your self-awareness, building assertive communication skills, and identifying where your needs are being neglected so that you can protect your energy without guilt.

  • Self-Worth & Identity

    Many of us struggle with self-worth beneath the surface and are often questioning if we’re enough, hiding parts of ourselves, or feeling like we constantly have to prove something. We’ll explore the roots of those beliefs and gently rebuild a more compassionate, empowered sense of self. Through our work, you’ll learn to embrace your authentic identity and stop shrinking to make others comfortable.

  • Trauma & PTSD

    Whether your trauma stems from childhood, relationships, systemic oppression, or specific events, your story deserves to be held with care. We offer trauma-informed therapy that honors your pace, helps regulate your nervous system, and addresses PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, avoidance, and flashbacks. In this space, we can make space for healing and post-traumatic growth.

  • Anxiety Therapy

    Anxiety can be exhausting, racing thoughts, physical tension, and the constant need to anticipate what might go wrong. Our work is grounded in calming the nervous system, reframing intrusive thoughts, and helping you regain control over your inner world. You’ll learn practical tools to move through life with more peace and presence.

  • Depression Therapy

    If you’ve been feeling numb, hopeless, or stuck in a fog, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Depression affects how we think, feel, and show up in the world, but it is also treatable. Our therapy sessions provide a nonjudgmental space to explore your emotional landscape and rebuild the motivation, joy, and meaning that feel out of reach.

  • Somatic Techniques for Healing

    Sometimes words aren’t enough, your body holds what your mind can’t always express. Somatic therapy helps you reconnect with your physical self to process trauma and emotional pain. We’ll use body-based techniques like grounding, breathwork, and movement to gently release stored stress and restore a sense of safety within.

  • EMDR Therapy

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, and painful memories. This structured approach helps your brain reprocess distressing experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming. Clients often experience rapid emotional relief and greater clarity after EMDR sessions.

  • Art-Based Trauma Therapy

    Sometimes healing begins when we put the pain into images. Art-based trauma therapy invites you to explore and express your story creatively, but the best part is that there is no artistic skill required. Using guided visual expression, we help you process emotions, release inner conflict, and access parts of yourself that may feel difficult to reach with words.

How Will I know When I am Healing?

Healing doesn’t always look like a big breakthrough. It often shows up in quiet, subtle shifts. You may begin to respond differently, feel a little more at ease, or notice moments of clarity where there used to be confusion. This section offers gentle signs that your healing is unfolding, even if progress feels slow. Trust the process…every step counts :)

    • You begin recognizing red flags without overriding your gut feelings.

    • You're no longer consumed by past relationship memories or fantasies.

    • You stop blaming yourself for someone else’s mistreatment.

    • You set emotional and physical boundaries with greater ease.

    • You believe you are worthy of love that feels safe, respectful, and mutual.

    • You say “no” without over-explaining or feeling guilty.

    • You notice when your needs are being overlooked and speak up sooner.

    • You stop rescuing or overextending yourself for others at your expense.

    • You feel more at peace when you honor your limits.

    • You begin attracting more balanced and respectful relationships.

    • You receive compliments without immediately dismissing them.

    • You stop tying your worth to productivity or people’s approval.

    • You explore new interests and expressions of self without shame.

    • You accept your imperfections without spiraling into self-criticism.

    • You feel more comfortable taking up space and being seen.

    • Triggers lose some of their intensity—you feel less hijacked by them.

    • You sleep more soundly and feel safer in your own body.

    • You stop constantly scanning for danger or replaying painful memories.

    • You gain more control over emotional flashbacks and shutdowns.

    • You trust yourself again—and the world begins to feel more navigable.

    • You breathe more deeply and feel less tense in your body.

    • You no longer assume the worst-case scenario is always coming.

    • You feel safe letting go of control in small ways.

    • You can pause and respond, rather than react impulsively.

    • You feel more present and less consumed by “what ifs.”

    • You notice glimpses of motivation or joy, even if fleeting.

    • You reach out instead of withdrawing completely.

    • You begin caring for your basic needs without dread or shame.

    • You start to imagine a future with possibilities, not just problems.

    • You’re gentler with yourself on the hard days.

    • You feel more connected to your body rather than numb or disconnected.

    • You identify physical signs of stress and use grounding tools to respond.

    • Your body feels less tense, jittery, or shut down throughout the day.

    • You begin to notice how emotions live in your body—and how to release them.

    • You feel safer existing in the present moment.

    • Disturbing memories lose their emotional charge.

    • You recall painful experiences without being overwhelmed.

    • You no longer feel stuck in the past—your responses feel more current.

    • You make new meaning from old pain.

    • You begin responding to life with more confidence and calm.

    • You feel emotionally lighter after expressing through art.

    • You access insights and emotions you couldn’t reach with words.

    • You feel less judgmental about your own story.

    • You explore without needing your creations to be “perfect.”

    • You use creative expression as a tool for regulation and release.

We May Be a Good Fit If…

Finding the right therapist is deeply personal. If any of these resonate with you, our work together might be the grounding, transformative space you've been looking for:

  • You’re ready to explore your story with someone who honors your full humanity. Your pain, your power, and your potential.

  • You want a space that affirms your identity, lived experience, and cultural background without having to over-explain.

  • You’ve been strong for everyone else and are now ready to prioritize your own healing and self-worth.

  • You’re navigating trauma, relationship wounds, or anxiety and want tools that go beyond talk…..like EMDR, somatic work, or creative expression.

  • You’ve struggled with boundaries, people-pleasing, or shrinking yourself and want to take ownership of your voice.

  • You’re craving a therapist who blends warmth and realness….someone who will challenge you lovingly, not just nod and listen.

  • You’re tired of carrying guilt, shame, or silence and are seeking a space where those burdens can be safely unpacked.

  • You want to feel empowered again….not just to survive, but to live more fully, freely, and in alignment with who you really are.

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Contact Me:

Thinking about clicking the button but not sure what to say in an email?

It can be difficult to email a therapist.

Feel free to copy and past the message below into your email and fill in the gaps. General questions are welcome too.

“Hi Lacita,

I am interested in scheduling a first therapy session, do you have any openings? I am looking for support with______I am available for sessions on these days and times_______. I see that you take my insurance which is_______(or I see you don’t take my insurance and that works for me.) I prefer my sessions to be virtual/in-person/or doesn’t matter. Here is a good number to reach me for a call back_____.”

My Current openings:

***August 2025: FEP currently has openings for new clients!**