About me

I am a licensed counselor in the state of Missouri who enjoys working with many age ranges, but especially late teens (17-19). I have worked with teens in two different residential locations in Missouri. In one, I worked with female teens who were struggling with substance use, fear, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, abuse and sexual assault. The other site was similar but was male and female.

I believe that each client be treated with warmth, respect and value. Each session is a safe place without any judgment. My approach varies depending on the specific needs and goals of each young person. I utilize mindfulness, CBT, DBT, and Client-Centered Therapy the most.
I also believe strongly in the approach of Person-Centered Therapy and that each individual has within them the ability to create change and move towards being the best that they can be. I am here to listen and help guide you in that process.

I know that with the added challenges we have all faced from COVID-related challenges, life has been more difficult for many. I commend you for reaching out to seek assistance for your young person in navigating their daily challenges and seeking a more fulfilling, happier life. I would be honored to work with them in reaching towards whatever changes and goals they desire.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with your teen in whatever area of life they are seeking help.


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Addictions
  • LGBTQ+
  • Trauma, Abuse
  • Self esteem, Motivation
Also experienced in:
Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Eating disorders , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Depression , Coping with life changes , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 7

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

Licensing

MO LPC 2018043311


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Darla McAdams. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Apr 17, 2024 after therapy with Darla for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd

She the best

Written on Jan 16, 2024 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

Darla is a great listener and she's very knowledgeable. She's helped me a lot with talking about feelings and expressing myself.

Written on Dec 27, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and self esteem

Caring and professional easy to talk to.

Written on Nov 06, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes

teencounseling.com is lucky to have someone like Darla McAdams! The help she has given me, ways to look at things and work through things is amazing. I am so glad I am able to talk to her every week.

Written on Oct 23, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Darla is kind, responsive and has a wealth of resources. She has been very patient with me.

Written on Oct 02, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and bipolar disorder

Does an excellent job in listening and providing amazing feedback!

Written on Aug 22, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coaching, and adhd

I have never found a better therapist in my life. We connected the first session and I feel that she understands me and listens and provides me with detailed worksheets and tools to improve not only my mental health but my life as a whole. I would give her a 20 out of 10!

Written on Jul 23, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Darla is such a great therapist. She has a lot of expertise and offers intentional insight. She listens to me so well without judgement and knows how to prioritize what we should focus on to bring more peace into my life. I highly recommend working with her.

Written on Jul 03, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Darla is compassionate and understanding in her therapy practice, taking note of what goals might arise through listening, clarifying questions, and creating space for curiosity, self-accountability, and self-forgiveness. In the almost two years of therapy with her I’ve been able to address multiple relationship concerns, learn from past mistakes while also forgiving myself for the patterns that they established, and have been given space to have hope for better days. I am grateful for our weekly sessions.

Written on Jun 12, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and self esteem

She’s great! In just 2 sessions, she’s given me good perspective already.

Written on May 10, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, anger management, and adhd

Really good st tackling multiple issues at once. As well as seeing past any lies I try to tell her to make myself sound better. She understands how I should feel before I do and it makes me think a lot about how I need to look at situations

Written on Mar 30, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coaching, and adhd

2 sessions in and I feel on the right path. Long road ahead, but glad to be working with Darla to navigate that road.

Written on Mar 14, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Darla’s insight and compassion have been a significant source of support during a very challenging time in my life. Her approach is warm and straightforward, and she provides clear guidance while making me feel seen and heard.

Written on Mar 13, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

She always offers amazing advice and insight. I find it very comforting that she is willing to share her own experiences as well, when it applies to what we are discussing.

Written on Mar 06, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Excellent experience and help.

Written on Mar 06, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and anger management

She is an amazing listener. She helped me understand my past, and helped me on how to get through my traumatic past, and even the issues I currently have.

Written on Mar 01, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

Darla is kind and direct. She listens and completely understands what is going on and what you need in order to get better. My recovery from a very devastating breakup was much faster and smoother with Darla’s guidance. I was lucky to get her when I really needed her.

Written on Feb 23, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning addictions, and relationship issues

Thank you Darla for being a great listener and helping with The Help I didn't even know that I Needed. You are Caring kind and honest.
You are professional and knowledgeable.
You have the gift of therapy for me,
And I appreciate it very much.
A+++

Written on Feb 09, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflicts

Ms. McAdams connects well with her clients. I feel comfortable sharing concerns with her. She has several theories that she uses and is comfortable pushing in at just the right time. She is extremely intuitive. Her insight is so helpful.

Written on Jan 27, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and bipolar disorder

She is incredible, and so far it's been wonderful working with her, appreciate everything she has helped me to cope with!!!

Written on Jan 03, 2023 after therapy with Darla for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, and self esteem

So far everything is going well. I appreciate the resources that Darla shares with me.

Written on Nov 07, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety

Darla is so kind and patient. It is easy to open up to her about my issues.

Written on Oct 22, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd

Darla is kind, listens and has pointed some helpful changes for me to adapt. We have had 4 sessions, and I have learned helpful techniques.

Written on Aug 25, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 4 weeks

Very professional, compassionate, and considerate of my needs. Recommended several sources to seek help and I found them very helpful. Highly recommend her to help others.

Written on Jul 30, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and adhd

We’ve only had two sessions so far but she has been very understanding of my problems. I’ve learned quite a bit from her in just two sessions and I feel like I’m moving forward for the first time in a long time. Very patient and kind.

Written on Jun 16, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 1 month

My daughter has trouble opening up about her feelings … but she has complete trust & openness with Darla. I’m so very grateful for her expertise & wonderful way with my girl.

Written on May 09, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd

Darla has challenged me to break out of my comfort zone and embrace aspects of my life I kept in the closet for so long. I really can’t recommend her enough!

Written on Apr 28, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

Darla really works with you and tries to consult what your currently facing and it's an excellent ear.

Written on Mar 29, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd

Darla has been very helpful in helping me understand things about myself. She’s helped me realign my thinking in more positive and constructive ways.

Written on Mar 28, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Darla is very intuitive, compassionate, and patient. I am very grateful for her help and guidance. It has made a huge difference in my life and helped me to adapt and grow with all of life's changes.

Written on Mar 28, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief

Darla is a great counselor to work with. She offers patience, kindness, and reassurance in all of our sessions. As part of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel seen and heard in our sessions when I bring up topics around this part of my life. Darla's approach is to teach you lifelong lessons, a lot of which I have saved in my personal journals to reflect on long after our sessions. She helped me to reframe my thinking to a more positive outlook. She suggested various resources outside of our sessions to support my journey as well, such as workbooks/worksheets and mindfulness apps and activities. She truly cares about you as a person which makes it very easy to open up to her. She will let you talk about things when you're ready but will also ask you tough questions to get you thinking. This is the most success I have had with a counselor to date. I am truly grateful for Darla.

Written on Mar 25, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

She’s awesome

Written on Mar 22, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Darla has been AMAZING with giving me support in areas that I have struggled. Darla has been great at helping me learn ways go cope with my anxiety surrounding so many different things. Darla is well rounded in experiences so it's easy to talk to her about anything

Written on Feb 15, 2022 after therapy with Darla for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes

Over the past 8 months, Darla has helped me process some major life changes (I got married, relocated cross country, had to quit my old job and start a new career). Her insights and guidance have supported me through these transitions and she's given me great awareness of old patterns that no longer serve me. Every session I walk away with a valuable nugget to take with me into the next week. I've learned how to catch my anxious thoughts and reframe them to be more helpful, positive, and realistic. My social anxiety has decreased significantly and I'm more comfortable and compassionate with myself - rather than holding myself to a "perfect" standard. We've worked a lot on expectations and healing childhood wounds. I've experienced great personal growth - I see it and feel it within myself. She creates a safe space, asks tough, meaningful questions, and is both supportive and honest.

Written on Nov 07, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and anger management

Darla is compassionate and knows how to make well educated suggestions.

Written on Oct 30, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management

Does a great job

Written on Oct 28, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management

I have been working with Darla for just over 6months now and I cannot thank her enough. I enjoy my sessions with her and as someone who never wanted to "be that guy who has therapy" I am so glad that I did and that I got to work with Darla. I have seen such an improvement in my anxiety and depression. I have learned a lot about who I am and what has shaped me to this day. I have learned skills to help myself control my negative thinking and calm myself down. I cannot recommend her enough.

Written on Sep 27, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and self esteem

Darla is so caring and understanding I really felt comfortable sharing my most inner thoughts and feelings with her. I feel like a new woman after working with her!

Written on Sep 07, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and coping with life changes

Our interactions have just started, but it really feels like Darla makes the effort to meet her clients where they are at in their journey or recovery process. She creates an open space for dialogue, in a non-judge mental environment. She’s patient and she’s kind. I look forward to the weeks and work ahead with her. I have hope for the first time in awhile, and I hope this process helps me to understand myself and my situation in a way that will be constructive. Grateful to be matched with Darla.

Written on Aug 19, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

Darla listens to you and gives you a chance to fully express whatever is on your mind. She makes great suggestions and is willing to be straight forward with you in a gentle manner of speaking. She’s helped me a lot with my anxiety and is helping me manage my intrusive and negative thoughts. Thankful for God giving me a counselor who really understands cares and is empathetic to my situation.

Written on Aug 18, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I’m new to therapy, and I’ve been so happy working with Darla so far! After only a few sessions it feels like she really knows me, and I love how sincere she is. She’s so kind, and she has made me less nervous about being in therapy, and working on me in general

Written on Aug 04, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Action based which I love! A great listener and very kind.

Written on Jul 13, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 2 months

Darla has been instrumental in helping me break through some of my struggle to identify why I’ve dealt with addiction many times over in my life. Identifying the brokenness in my childhood and the narrative I’ve carried with me into my adulthood has been essential in my ability to recognize the pain that triggers my addictive behavior and then move on.

I’m not healed but I’m more mindful of the stressors and the self-talk that brings about the problems I’ve had. I’m grateful to Darla for helping establish healthy practices and encouraging me to be conscious, intimate and honest with myself and my family.

Written on Jun 29, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes

Darla is easy to talk to. She is very knowledgeable and very willing to address any concerns I may have. I look forward to our sessions! I love learning different ways to become healthy in my thinking and she does a great job of explaining the reasoning behind my thoughts and how to correct and adjust them.

Written on Jun 19, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Darla has been an amazingly understanding and helpful psychologist for me. she starts off seeming like she doesn’t have the ability to push you to get to the hard stuff which i’m sure she does so you can feel safe to actually get things out that you feel you can but she is more than capable of pushing you if you need her too so don’t let that worry you like it did me at the start.
she has had the ability to read in between the lines, how i work and what i need to get through my defences that i have put up around my mind.
i can’t recommend her enough, i’m sure if you need a softer touch she is also capable of doing that also.

Written on Jun 16, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

Darla is very attentive and she always makes me feel heard and understood. At the same tine we make progress on addressing the core issue instead of just putting a bandaid on immediate problems but not addressing long term plans. She’s a professional and excellent counselor to work with. I’d highly recommend her to anyone who is seeking help.

Written on May 24, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, and self esteem

Darla has been so helpful in working with me to find my goals and what I need to work on most. She is understanding and encouraging, and makes me feel like my growth is something to celebrate! Would highly recommend her to anyone, especially someone just starting therapy (as was my case). :)

Written on May 06, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Darla is very sweet and kind. She makes you feel like you are not alone. She will commiserate with you and even share her own stories of her own life.

Written on May 03, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 3 weeks

Darla, seems to be very polite, patient, gracious, empathetic, and knowledgeable. She listens and gives positives for goals for next session, so you feel there is hope, and I like that.

Written on Apr 28, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Darla has been an eye opening joy and success for my growth I will continue to use her therapeutic ways to continue to help guide me through the realizations of the past that lead me on this path through this journey. Thank you so much.

Written on Apr 06, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and adhd

Darla has been willing to do things at my pace while still moving forward. She is patient, understanding, and eager to help.

Written on Apr 04, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties

My time with Darla has been great, she really helped me realize my position in my life and made me think about it from a different perspective.

Written on Apr 01, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Darla was incredibly kind and open during our sessions. I truly would've liked to continue with the work we were doing. I appreciate her generous spirit, and her supportive practice.

Written on Mar 26, 2021 after therapy with Darla for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Darla is a great counselor who makes me feel comfortable in sharing the issues I need to work on.

Work with me!