

Emily Koehn, MSW, LMSW, Anxiety & OCD Therapist
Serving Clients in St. Louis & Across Missouri
I can relate, personally and professionally, to how easy it is to want to “get things right,” to curate or control life in a way that feels safe. But I've learned through my own experiences and my work with others that a deeper sense of meaning comes not from perfecting things but from learning to let go and tolerate uncertainty.
I work with adults and teens who are thoughtful, ambitious, and creative -- people who want a sense of meaning and purpose in life but find themselves getting in their own way. We may have a vision for life, yet can feel stuck in patterns of self-doubt, rumination, or anxiety that are uncomfortable and difficult to stop.
Anxiety is a natural response, and often it is adaptive and valuable. But when it begins to interfere with how we want to live, connect, and move forward, it’s worth paying attention. In our work together, we’ll get curious about where that anxiety comes from and begin to loosen its hold.
My approach is collaborative and grounded in your values. We’ll explore what matters most to you and how to live in a way that feels more aligned with what you find meaningful. I’m especially interested in the moments where you second-guess yourself—whether it’s a major life decision or a smaller choice—and what those moments can reveal.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years teaching creative writing, helping people of all ages find their voice. That background continues to shape my work. I believe therapy can be reflective, creative, and even enjoyable. Humor, insight, and honesty all have a place.
Therapy is a space to explore that process of letting go: to experiment, to understand yourself more fully, and to consider new ways of being. In our work together, I will treat that process with care and respect.
University of Houston - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW)
Certificate from Baylor Psychiatric Clinic
Certificate from St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute
Queer and Neurodivergent affirming
Rooted in Social Justice Values