Meet Our Counselors

Kristen Ernst, LPC

Kristen Ernst, MA, LPC is owner and operator of the Center for Hope & Healing. Kristen has years of experience working with hospice patients and their families. She also contributes as a specialist in grief support as a facilitator and educator in the community. She continually works with survivors of childhood abuse and trauma, and is also dedicated to her work in suicide prevention and awareness. Kristen enjoys assisting in the development of people’s self-advocacy, coping with grief, and creating a safe and conducive environment for people to empower themselves for a better quality of life.

Kristen can be reached at 636-328-0878 or email KristenErnst@CHHCounseling.com

Renee Ratley, LPC, CCTP

Renee Ratley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Renee works with individual adults and families with children of all ages specializing in work with foster/adoptive families and those recovering from abuse, neglect, combat, and other forms of trauma. She works with military/veterans and families in the areas of PTSD, Moral Injury, and readjustment.

Tim Beauparlant, MSW, LCSW, CEAP

Tim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri and has been a master’s level social worker for 32 years. He has extensive experience in hospital, hospice, family service agency, managed care/EAP, and private practice settings. Tim’s specialties include mental health, substance abuse treatment, and men’s issues, especially pertaining to grief, anger management, and substance abuse. He completed Family and Divorce Mediation training at Washington University. In his private practice, he has provided family mediation services and individual, family, and couples counseling for many years.

Barbara Muehlbauer, MA, PLPC

I believe you deserve a space that is welcoming and free of judgment. My goal as your therapist is to help you feel empowered. I consider therapy a collaborative process where your voice matters.

Common issues I address include grief, coping and self-regulation skills, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, safe expression of feelings, psychoeducation, safety planning, healthy relationships, and boundaries.

I use a person-centered approach to create a plan that specifically addresses your unique needs. I enjoy meeting new people and consider it a privilege to share part of each client’s journey. My counseling style is warm and inviting, with a focus on the client always. You are the one seeking support and the one determining the goals you would like to work towards. You are the expert on yourself, and I am here to help facilitate change. My therapeutic approach is Client-Centered with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques and Solution Focused techniques to help you reach your goals.

I warmly welcome you to reach out to me with questions regarding services. I understand it can be tough to get started, but it is a journey that you do not have to walk alone.

Under the supervision of Sara Schuessler, LPC #20100016635