Salina Pounds, LPC, NCC | St. Louis Relationship Therapist
Owner of Lotus Rising
Feeling stuck in the same painful cycle is exhausting. Perhaps you find yourself in challenging relationship dynamics again and again, struggling to build your self-esteem, or trying to set confident boundaries. As a relationship therapist here in St. Louis, I help clients navigate painful breakups, or managing the intense emotions and relationship patterns that can come with a diagnosis like Borderline Personality Disorder. Whatever your story, know that this is a space where you can finally set that weight down, feel truly heard, and be seen without judgment.
Feeling Stuck in Painful Relationship Cycles?
My role is to walk alongside you on your journey. For many of us, life feels like navigating a confusing path in the dark, making it difficult to see where we’re headed. Think of me as a trusted companion holding a flashlight. You are still in charge of the journey. You hold the map and choose the direction but I can help illuminate the path ahead. Together, we can shed light on old patterns, uncover hidden strengths, and make the way forward feel clearer and less overwhelming.
To do this, we often explore how your past experiences and early relationships shape how you show up in the world today, in your career, and relationships. For moments when we feel stuck or for processing difficult trauma, I often utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a powerful alternative to traditional talk therapy, helping you find a way through challenges that may have felt insurmountable.
My foundational belief is that you already hold the power to heal within yourself. Therapy is the process of uncovering that power and bringing it to the surface. It’s for those who are tired of finding themselves in the same situation and are ready to create lasting change. Success isn’t about “fixing” you; it’s about helping you feel empowered and rediscovering the incredible resiliency you’ve always had.
Session Fees
Individual Therapy
50 minute session $150
90 minute session $270
Couples/Family Therapy
50 minute session -$170
90 minutes session – $306
Superbills are given upon request.
Individual Therapy
I offer personalized individual therapy sessions tailored to address your unique needs. Whether you are navigating difficult relationships, struggling with self-esteem issues, or dealing with borderline personality disorder, depression, or anxiety, I provide compassionate support and evidence-based strategies to help you thrive.
Couples Therapy
Strong relationships are built on trust, communication, and mutual understanding. My couples therapy sessions focus on enhancing these core aspects, helping partners reconnect and strengthen their relationship. Specializing in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), I guide couples through structured sessions to resolve conflicts, improve communication, and deepen their connection.
Specialization
I am trained in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), which focuses on creating secure emotional bonds between partners by addressing attachment-related issues and fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s needs.
I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, which helps you process and heal from past traumas. This cutting-edge therapeutic approach is particularly effective for those dealing with trauma that we have a hard time moving through.
I provide targeted treatments for low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your mental health.
Professional Experience
I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) and am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri and Georgia and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Before launching Lotus Rising, I gained invaluable experience in diverse clinical settings, including an inpatient substance use facility and a community mental health center. In these roles, I was responsible for crisis management, connecting clients with essential community resources (such as healthcare, housing, and food aid), and facilitating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups. This work gave me a deep, practical understanding of a wide range of mental health diagnoses and strengthened my ability to support clients facing complex life challenges.
To best serve my clients, I have pursued specialized training in several evidence-based therapeutic models. My approach is grounded in the following:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
I also integrate principles from mindfulness and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my work to provide a holistic and personalized therapeutic experience.
I founded Lotus Rising in 2019 with the vision of building a practice that treats the whole – person, mind, body, and soul. I believe true wellness comes from integrated care, and I’m passionate about helping my clients on their journey to wholeness.