Carmen Curtis, PhD

When you are diagnosed with a serious or chronic medical condition, it can be overwhelming. You may have to adjust to new medications and doctors, or even face the possibility that you may not survive the illness. Perhaps you can’t go to work or school, or go out with friends and family as often as you used to. For some, watching a loved one struggle with illness can also be very challenging. Being able to address how a medical crisis has affected your life can be crucial in your healing process. But . . .  

You can find emotional healing from medical illness.

Support from a trained professional may help you find strategies to cope with these reactions. Professional counseling can also give you the opportunity to talk about concerns that you may not feel comfortable sharing with others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Dr. Carmen Curtis is a licensed clinical psychologist. She earned her master’s degree and doctorate in clinical-community psychology from DePaul University and her bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Washington University School of Medicine. Her therapeutic specialty is coping with the emotional aspects of medical or health concerns, such as cancer, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. In providing therapy and supportive counseling to adults, college students, adolescents, and families, she has also worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. Dr. Curtis is trained in client-centered, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.

HEALING PHILOSOPHY
Dr. Carmen Curtis uses a client-centered approach to therapy, meaning that treatment is tailored to your unique situation and needs. She believes in helping you foster insight into your concerns as well as learn more effective coping techniques. She provides a empathetic, non-judgmental, confidential environment where you can safely express your feelings. Dr. Curtis’ hope is that with support, you can feel more empowered and be able to live your life to the fullest. She is committed to treating clients with respect, understanding, and compassion.

SERVICES

• Individual therapy
• Family therapy

These services are offered to:

• Adults and adolescents (ages 14+) affected by chronic or serious medical illness
• Persons newly diagnosed with illness
• Persons grieving the loss of a loved one to illness

FEES
Please call for reasonable prices for services. A sliding fee scale is available for persons with financial hardship.

APPOINTMENTS
Appointments are typically 50-minute sessions. Daytime, early evening, and Saturday appointments are available. Call (314) 222-3566 or email me at carmen.curtis@gmail.com to set up a time today!

“There is only one success in life: to be able to spend
your life in your own way.”
–Christopher Morley