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AM Portrait of Ayanna Mills

Ayanna Mills

Empathic counselor focusing on practical change

LPC Missouri

Experience
13 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Intimacy-related issues
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Ayanna

About Ayanna

Ayanna Mills is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practicing in Missouri who brings 13 years of experience in the mental health field.

Background and approach

She has worked with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy challenges, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, self-esteem struggles, career concerns, and compassion fatigue, among other issues.

Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and she draws on a variety of evidence-informed ways of working to meet each client's needs. Her therapeutic manner is empathic, genuine, and direct, aiming to build trust quickly so clients feel comfortable engaging in the process.

Ayanna integrates approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), client-centered techniques, and mindfulness practices to tailor treatment to what fits best for each person. She emphasizes meeting people where they are in their readiness for change and partners with clients through sensitive or difficult topics.

Ayanna invites prospective clients to begin when they feel ready and supports them in working toward practical, meaningful change.

Approaches for Online Work and Practical Change

Ayanna often combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in online work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression, while ACT emphasizes values-driven action and accepting difficult internal experiences to build a meaningful life.

She also draws from client-centered and emotionally-focused principles, creating a collaborative environment where the therapist and client decide together which methods match the client's goals and preferences. This process-oriented approach means treatment adapts as needs and readiness for change evolve.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats can make it easier to access consistent support, practice skills between sessions, and maintain therapy during busy or changing circumstances. Ayanna aims to help clients find practical strategies that fit their life while using the accessibility of online care to stay engaged in the work.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, self-esteem, career questions, and compassion fatigue.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is empathic, genuine, and honest, with an emphasis on building rapport and meeting clients where they are in their stages of change.
How many years has she practiced?
She has 13 years of experience working in the mental health field and has supported people with a broad range of diagnoses and life challenges.
What are her credentials and location?
She holds the LPC credential with license MO LPC 2019003930 and practices in Missouri.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What formats are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How is cost determined for therapy?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Licensed

Missouri

Languages

English