General Therapy Questions

What types of therapy do you offer?

Authentic Roots Counseling provides trauma-informed therapy for children, teens, and adults. My work focuses on helping people heal from experiences such as abuse, neglect, attachment disruptions, difficult relationships, and other forms of emotional trauma.

Therapy is grounded in connection, safety, and understanding how past experiences continue to shape the present.

What approaches do you use in therapy?

My work is trauma-informed and attachment-focused. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma (ITCT)
• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)

These approaches focus on helping people feel safe, process difficult experiences, and rebuild trust in themselves and their relationships.

How do I know if therapy could help me or my child?

Therapy can be helpful if you or your child feel overwhelmed, stuck in repeated patterns, struggling in relationships, or having difficulty coping with stress or past experiences. Many people seek therapy when they feel disconnected, anxious, or unsure how to move forward.

Therapy offers a supportive space to understand what is happening and develop new ways of responding.

How long does therapy usually last?

The length of therapy varies depending on each person’s needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term support around specific challenges, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and experiences.

Healing happens at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

Do you offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy?

Yes. As a lesbian therapist, I proudly provide Queer-Affirming Care and strive to create a space where all identities, relationships, and families feel respected and supported.

Questions About Child and Teen Therapy

What ages do you work with?

I work with children and teens ages 3–18 who may be navigating trauma, attachment disruptions, emotional overwhelm, or behavioral challenges.

What does therapy for children look like?

Child therapy often looks different from traditional talk therapy. Sessions may include play, creative expression, and conversation depending on your child’s age and needs. Caregivers are also an important part of the process so we can strengthen connection and support healing at home.

Do parents participate in therapy?

Yes. Caregiver involvement is an important part of trauma-informed therapy with children. I work with parents and caregivers to help them understand what their child is experiencing and learn tools that support safety and connection.

Do you work with foster and adoptive families?

Yes. Many of the families I work with are navigating foster care or adoption. Therapy focuses on strengthening attachment, rebuilding trust, and helping children process early experiences that may still affect their emotions or behavior.

Questions About Adult Trauma Therapy

What types of trauma do you help adults work through?

Adults often seek trauma therapy for experiences such as childhood abuse or neglect, relationship trauma, emotional abuse, family dysfunction, or stressful life events. Trauma therapy helps people understand how those experiences continue to affect their emotions, relationships, and sense of safety.

What happens during trauma therapy sessions?

Trauma therapy focuses on helping you feel safe enough to explore your experiences without becoming overwhelmed. We work together to understand emotional patterns, strengthen coping skills, and process experiences that may still be affecting your life.

Can trauma therapy help with anxiety and relationship struggles?

Yes. Many symptoms of anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and relationship difficulties are connected to unresolved trauma. Therapy helps people understand these patterns and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Questions About Clinical and DDP Supervision

Who do you offer supervision for?

I provide clinical supervision for LMSWs working toward licensure as well as DDP supervision for therapists who want to deepen their attachment-focused work with children and families.

What is DDP supervision?

DDP supervision focuses on Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, an attachment-focused approach used with children and families impacted by trauma. Supervision helps therapists integrate PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy) into their clinical work.

Do I need to be pursuing DDP certification to receive supervision?

No. Some therapists seek DDP supervision as part of the certification process, while others participate to deepen their understanding of attachment-focused and trauma-informed therapy.

What can I expect from supervision?

Supervision is a space for reflection, learning, and professional growth. We discuss clinical cases, explore treatment approaches, and strengthen your confidence as a therapist working with complex trauma.

Practical Questions

What are your session fees?

Therapy sessions are $175 per session.

Do you accept insurance?

Authentic Roots Counseling operates out of network. A superbill can be provided upon request if you would like to submit for possible reimbursement through your insurance provider.

Where is your office located?

Authentic Roots Counseling is located at:

7310 Manchester Ave, Suite 200C
Maplewood, MO 63143

Serving clients throughout the St. Louis area.

How do I schedule an appointment?

The easiest way to get started is to book an appointment through the website. You are also welcome to reach out if you have questions before scheduling.

Still Have Questions?

Choosing a therapist or supervisor is an important decision. If you would like to learn more about working together, you are welcome to reach out.

Book an Appointment

Anne Benson, LCSW
Authentic Roots Counseling, LLC
Phone: 314-718-9946