About Jerry W. Kiesling, MSW, LCSW, a Counselor in Columbia, MO

Every time you get a cup of coffee in the morning, you ask yourself if your life can get any more out of balance.  It is hard for you to celebrate good things with your family and in your community. Life wasn’t supposed to be this way.  You worry because your duties and health don’t let you focus anymore.  You've tried reading books and talking with friends, but things aren't changing. You have been telling yourself that things aren’t so bad, but when you look in the mirror, you want the old you back, you know, the one who was happier, calm, and wasn’t scared when you interacted with others. You need an expert who truly knows what it takes to help you not only find relief but to find your way into a better life. I help Men, Seniors, their caregivers, and families work through the overwhelm, anxiety, grief, and deep sadness that gets in the way of having the life you love.  

Thank you for taking the first step in becoming your ideal you!

I look forward to joining you on your journey just like I have for over 3,000 people and their families affected by life-altering anxiety, depression, grief, and diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. It is important for me to listen to your story and learn about you and the goals you have for your life.  I want to understand what it looks like to you when your life has less irritability, stress, anxiety, frustration, sadness, and guilt.  I want to understand your vision for a life that is more aligned with your values and ideal life. 

I understand that the work in counseling isn’t always easy.  As I join you in your goals, I  will hold a safe and non-judgmental space for you to do this important work for your life.  I will work hard and compassionately move with you as we take steps forward on the bridge you are building to your ideal you.  

Utilizing an eclectic approach, I will utilize components of  Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing to help you learn skills and other approaches on your journey.  I value your strengths and autonomy as we work together, and I will help you use them to grow.

Throughout my over 30-year career, I worked with Adults (especially men’s counseling), Older Adults, and their Caregivers going through overwhelming transitions.  I get great satisfaction in assisting individuals as they choose how they want their lives to be ordered and learn the skills to make it happen.  

I have a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri and studied in practicums with the Missouri Division of Aging, Family Counseling Center, and Capital Region Medical Center.  My work in Skilled Nursing Facilities, an Acute Care Hospital, and directing an Adult Day Care for older adults has allowed me to help over 3,000 persons needing to make a change that worked in their lives. It is my passion to help people work toward the life they deserve.

I look forward to working with you and consider it an honor to be asked to join you on your journey toward the life you deserve.  

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