IFSTherapists

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LPC

Ruth Stoan, LPC

  • Experience35 years
  • LocationMissouri
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, Grief, and Self esteem
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Ruth

Ruth Stoan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 35 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and major life changes.

Background and approach

She brings a background in both independent practice and community settings, working with individuals and couples as well as supporting families facing addiction and aging-related transitions. Ruth emphasizes collaborative goal-setting and skill building to address both immediate concerns and the deeper patterns that limit progress.

Her work integrates a range of therapeutic approaches and practical tools, including mindfulness, breathwork, imagery, and techniques aimed at shifting unhelpful beliefs. A particular emphasis in her practice is supporting women through transitions that prompt questions about identity and purpose.

Ruth prefers video sessions to build rapport but also offers phone, live chat, and text-based options to fit different needs and schedules. She accepts international clients and meets people where they are in their change process.

Approach-driven online therapy with flexible formats

Internal Family Systems (IFS) views the mind as made up of distinct parts that hold feelings, beliefs, and memories; working with these parts can help people resolve internal conflicts and heal from trauma or chronic patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches skills for accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying values and committing to meaningful action, which supports coping with anxiety, depression, and life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening to create a supportive space where clients can explore identity and choices.

Finding the best therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and current challenges and then tailor a plan that may draw from these methods to match what feels most helpful for the client. This collaborative stance helps ensure the work stays relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers practical benefits such as greater scheduling flexibility and access from different locations through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats allow clients to maintain continuity of care while using the communication method that feels most comfortable for them, making it easier to fit therapeutic work into a busy life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
Areas of focus include stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, LGBT matters, career and coaching concerns, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and many related topics such as abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, and end-of-life counseling.
What is the therapist's general approach or style in sessions?
The approach is collaborative and skills-oriented, combining evidence-based therapies with mindfulness and holistic tools to identify immediate needs and deeper patterns that may be limiting progress.
How long has the therapist been practicing?
Ruth has 35 years of clinical experience working in independent practice, community agencies, and facilities supporting families and individuals through life transitions.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with licence MO LPC 000702 and practices in Missouri.
In which language can sessions be conducted and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are conducted in English and international clients are accepted.
Which session formats are available for online work?
Clients may work via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.
How does pricing and payment work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin therapy with this clinician?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

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 approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

35+ years

Licensed

Missouri

Languages

English