Ruth Stoan, LPC

Ruth Stoan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri with 35 years of experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship struggles, addictions, LGBT concerns, and codependency. Ruth also helps people facing life transitions, career questions, caregiver strain, and issues around intimacy and self-esteem.

Ruth began her training with a master of arts in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Over decades in private practice and community agencies she has supported people through loss, changing family roles, and addiction recovery. She has worked directly with people helping aging relatives and others navigating end-of-life decisions.

Her approach combines familiar therapeutic tools. Ruth uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, emotionally focused work, and client-centered methods. She also integrates mindfulness, breath work, relaxation, imagery, and techniques aimed at shifting limiting beliefs to reduce blocking patterns.

In sessions she focuses on immediate concerns while identifying deeper patterns that keep someone stuck. Conversations aim to clarify values, build practical skills, and create a plan for the next steps. She describes coaching-style supports alongside counseling to help people reach concrete goals.

Ruth often suggests video sessions to build rapport, though she notes phone or text contact can be used when that suits a client better. International clients who speak English may also be seen. To begin, she asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.

How her approaches translate to online work