Desiree Wood MA, LPC

I was adopted by my grandmother after experiencing neglect and abuse at a very young age as a child of addicts. While this gave me safety and unconditional love, it also left me feeling like I never quite fit in with my family and peers. My grandmother couldn’t always show up in the same ways as other parents, but she gave what she could—with her hands, her skills, and her heart. I’ll never forget a school program where she sewed every costume for every child; in that moment, I realized that no matter our differences, everyone has something meaningful to contribute.

Though I was often praised for being strong and successful, I carried intense anxiety, depression, and perfectionism beneath the surface. These experiences shaped my understanding of how pain can hide behind achievement and how appearances don’t always reveal the battles within. Being an aunt to a child with autism has also given me a deeper understanding of those who feel misunderstood or pressured by social expectations.

My own story gives me a deep understanding of what it feels like to be unseen, misunderstood, or burdened by societal expectations. These experiences shape the way I sit with others in their own pain and growth. I know what it’s like to hold love, joy, grief, and loss all at once—and how life’s hardest moments can shape us in profound ways. Before stepping into counseling, I spent over a decade working in early childhood education, where I found joy in watching children grow in confidence and independence, and in holding space for families navigating fear and uncertainty. I believe healing begins with genuine connection, and that even in life’s most difficult moments, each of us has something meaningful to contribute as we build hope, resilience, and belonging together.

I have a deep passion for supporting the neurodivergent community, including children with autism and ADHD. I also serve individuals with high achievement or perfectionistic traits, anxiety, depression, recovering addicts, and those breaking cycles of trauma. Working with children and families, I have additional training in play therapy, which allows me to truly enter the world of a child and see life through their eyes. I enjoy guiding families through major life transitions such as starting school, milestones, grief, divorce, adoption/foster, and blending families. I am committed to learning from each client’s lived experience, helping them navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and find hope and connection on their journey.

Education & Experience

• B.S. in Behavioral Science – Missouri Baptist University
• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Missouri Baptist University
• Play Therapy Certification – Missouri Baptist University
• 10+ years teaching in Early Childhood Education
• Social Emotional Mentor – CHADS Coalition and Suicide Prevention
• Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) – community, in-school, and private practice
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed
• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) Level One
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level One
• Training for Adoption Competency (TAC)