Ruth Stoan, LPC
Experienced Missouri counselor and coach
- 35 years experience
- LPC and MA
- Specializes in grief and anxiety
About Ruth Stoan
Ruth Stoan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and certified coach in Missouri with 35 years of experience helping people navigate meaningful change. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and combines clinical training with coaching skills to support clients facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship challenges, addictions, and life transitions. Ruth has worked in private practice with individuals and couples, in community agencies addressing addictions, and in facilities assisting families coping with changing roles and aging parents.
With a special interest in supporting women through major life changes, Ruth emphasizes questions of identity, purpose, and what clients want next. She draws on a range of therapeutic methods studied over many years, blending evidence-based techniques with holistic tools such as mindfulness, breath work, relaxation practices, imagery, and approaches aimed at shifting limiting beliefs. This mix is intended to accelerate progress and help clients develop practical skills for daily life.
Ruth approaches therapy as a collaborative process in which immediate concerns are addressed alongside deeper factors that may be limiting growth. Her work is grounded in the belief that people possess strengths that can be cultivated, and that changing unhelpful habits and thought patterns can open the path to more meaningful and successful living. Clinically oriented yet compassionate, she supports clients as an advocate and guide through their healing and growth.
With a special interest in supporting women through major life changes, Ruth emphasizes questions of identity, purpose, and what clients want next. She draws on a range of therapeutic methods studied over many years, blending evidence-based techniques with holistic tools such as mindfulness, breath work, relaxation practices, imagery, and approaches aimed at shifting limiting beliefs. This mix is intended to accelerate progress and help clients develop practical skills for daily life.
Ruth approaches therapy as a collaborative process in which immediate concerns are addressed alongside deeper factors that may be limiting growth. Her work is grounded in the belief that people possess strengths that can be cultivated, and that changing unhelpful habits and thought patterns can open the path to more meaningful and successful living. Clinically oriented yet compassionate, she supports clients as an advocate and guide through their healing and growth.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSmoking / vaping cessationWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Ruth Stoan have?
Ruth Stoan has 35 years of experience.
Is Ruth Stoan a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LPC credential - Licensed Professional Counselor. License details: MO LPC 000702.
In which languages does Ruth Stoan provide therapy?
English
Where is Ruth Stoan located?
Missouri
How can I work with Ruth Stoan as my therapist?
You can work with Ruth Stoan through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Ruth Stoan work with international clients?
Yes, Ruth Stoan works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Ruth Stoan cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Bringing evidence-based approaches to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify personal values and take committed action toward a life that feels meaningful. It focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while building behavioral steps that align with what matters most, which can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and collaboration. The therapist creates a supportive space where clients explore their experience at their own pace, useful for grief, relationship concerns, self-esteem, and questions of identity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, teaching practical skills to identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with daily stressors.
Finding the right mix of techniques is part of the work. Ruth Stoan collaborates with clients to determine which approaches best match each person's goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting methods over time as needs evolve.
Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for busy schedules and makes it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals. These options allow therapists and clients to maintain therapeutic continuity across locations and life changes while tailoring session formats to what feels most comfortable and effective.