Welcome to The Refuge Therapeutic Service, LLC
We hope to have a transformational impact on our community: Providing space safe enough to learn, grow, and heal at your pace.
Services
The Refuge is a place to receive affordable and professional therapeutic services. We care about you and are here to help you find safety and support. We offer Individual, groups, couples and family therapy for ages 4-110.
Staff
We understand that every healing journey has its own unique path. The staff at The Refuge are honored when we are chosen to walk with you on this journey
In an emergency? Need help now?
Contact the 988 Lifeline Chat and Text which is a 24/7 line that connects you with caring crisis counselors for emotional support. If you or someone you know is in danger or needs immediate medical attention, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
Contact UsAbout Us
Welcome to The Refuge Therapeutic Service, LLC
The Refuge was organized to provide a safe haven during the storms of life for individuals seeking professional therapeutic services.
At The Refuge, we live by our mission statement:
- Providing a space safe enough to learn, grow and heal at your own pace.
- We understand that every healing journey has its own unique path. The staff at The Refuge are honored when we are chosen to walk with you on this journey.
- At The Refuge we believe there is much to be learned from nature. We have included dragonflies and sloths in our décor to remind all who enter that the change wanted is attainable when we are willing to do the work, learn about ourselves, lovingly try to understand others and are able to be patient with the process.
Why dragonflies and sloths?
- Dragonflies are large, colorful, insects with more than 5,000 known species (like us, each one unique, yet connected). Fossil evidence shows they have been around for many years (they have been able to withstand the test of time). They have two pair of transparent wings that allow them to move during flight up, down, forward, backwards and side to side (like dragonflies we can learn to maneuver through the challenges we face). Dragonflies, like humans, go through many changes during their life cycle. The process is not easy, takes a lot of work and requires them casting off the shell of their former selves and leaving it behind as they emerge into the future that lies ahead.
- Sloths are the slowest mammals on the planet, moving approximately 1 foot per second, which means they can travel about 125 feet in a day. If a sloth is on the ground, they can only crawl 1 foot per minute. Sometimes we need to remember that progress is slow and difficult. It is easy to want to give up during these moments. However, if we keep going, we will make progress. Never give up! Your journey will be worth the time and work you put into it.
- At The Refuge, we understand learning new skills, growth, and healing takes time and a space safe enough to rest. Our hope is that you discover the support you are seeking on your journey. Please contact us and let us know how we can help.
Services
The Refuge is a place to receive affordable and professional therapeutic services. We care about you and are here to help you find safety and support.
TF-CBT
Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence based therapeutic intervention for youth 3 to 18 years of age and designed to help youth and their parents overcome the impact of traumatic events. The focus of treatment is to assist in developing coping strategies to manage traumatic stress reactions while reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or “acting out” behaviors; common in children exposed to trauma. This therapy often involves individual sessions for the youth, individual sessions for parents and when needed, conjoint sessions between parent and youth.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing processing helps break through the emotional blocks that keep individuals from living an adaptive, emotionally healthy life. The EMDR approach helps the individual identify past emotionally-charged experiences overly influencing present emotions, sensations, behaviors and thoughts. EMDR uses rapid sets of eye movement to process disturbing experiences, much like what occurs during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. EMDR replicates this sleep pattern while the individual remains awake and alert. By alternating between sets of eye movements and brief reports about what is noticed this process helps update memories to a healthier present perspective.
Biofeedback
is a way to learn to adjust how your body responds to different situations, like slowing down your heart rate. The skills taught in biofeedback help you focus on making small changes in your body. It helps you recognize that you are able to make changes to the way your body feels and behaves. Using these skills often improves the way you feel and what you can do. Various forms of biofeedback therapy such as deep breathing, mindful meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery have been shown to be helpful in fighting stress-related responses. Over 80% of studies related to biofeedback reported some level of improvement in symptoms as a result of biofeedback exposure (The Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College, London; 2014).
SPARCS
Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescent Responding to Chronic Stress the goal of SPARCS is to help individuals build on their strengths and ability to recover from tough times. SPARCS was made for young people who have lived through trauma and who continue to live with high levels of stress. This group therapy helps youth 12-18 focus on enhancing resiliency through the development of important self-regulation, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.
Staff
We understand that every healing journey has its own unique path. The staff at The Refuge are honored when we are chosen to walk with you on this journey.
Sherrie Wallace
MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker providing therapy from a trauma informed and trained perspective. She worked with the State of Missouri’s SOCCESS grant to develop curriculum to identify and help individuals at risk of developing a first episode of psychosis. Since she continues to identify resources, develop groups and trainings, and provide services to support individuals and families navigating difficult life changes. Sherrie’s approach is strengths based, focusing on a full systems approach when possible. Trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, SPARCS, Safe and Sound protocol, Prolonged Exposure and Biofeedback; She helps challenge negative thinking and behavioral patterns while teaching strategies to reduce emotional reactivity. With hard work, individuals can learn to build trusting, healthy relationships, have the tools to overcome life’s challenges and begin living life the way they choose.
Cary
our Office Manager. She has lived in the Springfield area her entire life. She is married & has 2 children. Spending time with her family has always been a top priority. She has found herself in several positions whether by volunteering or employment that puts her in the place of helping others. For the last 9 years she has been in a Secretary/Office Manger position. Cary enjoys being around all stages of life. She will assist you with appointments, office documents, insurance and payments. Cary is at our front desk and always working to help each of us in the best way possible.
Sir Softalot AKA “Softy”: Morale Specialist
Willing to help but sometimes moves slower than others prefer. Encourages others to work around barriers by setting an example that we all move and grow at our own rate. Sir Softalot shares with others “It’s never too late to get something done, take your time and breathe.”Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know for my first appointment?
The first appointment is requested as an in-person appointment. All portal paperwork should be completed prior to appointment. If you have any questions about the paperwork call and talk to our friendly support staff. If the appointment is for a minor a legal guardian must be present. If the legal guardian is not the biological parent, please provide legal documentation showing guardianship. Please do not bring other minors to the initial appointment.
How do I access the portal?
There is a portal link for your convenience at the top of the page or go to: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/therefuge3
How do I start therapy?
Set an intake appointment; you can call, email us or message us through the website.
How long should I plan to be there?
Sessions are 30 to 55 minutes. Your clinician will help you determine what is needed and how often during your intake.
How often will I come?
Appointments are frequently every other week. That said everyone’s needs are different. Your clinician will help you determine how often is recommended for best results during your intake.
Do I need to come early?
For your first session we suggest coming 15-30 minutes early in case of paperwork. After that you will come at your scheduled time.
Do you take insurance?
We do take several insurances including Medicaid plans. We also have self-pay rates. Call our office to see if we accept your insurance or how we can best help you.
Do you have virtual appointments?
Yes as long as you are in the state of MO. If you can't always come in person or live too far away we can still help. We do ask your initial intake appointment be in person.
What kinds of issues can you help me with?
Trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, family issues, neurodivergence, pretty much anything for ages 4-110.
How do I make an appointment?
Our contact details are below; you can call, email us or message us through the website.
Do I need to be referred by someone?
You can be referred by someone or you can refer yourself by contacting us directly.