River Dowdy, MS, LPC, NCC
Hi, I’m River. I embrace my humanity and acknowledge that I am a recovering perfectionist, a survivor, a storyteller, a witness, a healer, and a creator. My innate ability lies in crafting meaning and fostering connections, both within ourselves and with the world around us, often utilizing unconventional methods and materials.
Having my own big story of trauma led me to struggle intensely as a young adult. I felt out of control, hopeless, too much, and not good enough. I was un-housed several times and felt untethered to anyone safe.
Through those years I experienced many forms of therapy in a variety of settings, from street outreach, community mental health centers, state insurance-based therapy, private pay, and in all levels of care outpatient to inpatient to residential. I’m thankful for all of it as they played a role in keeping me alive.
The effects trauma had on my life and health were devastating. I felt defective and unsalvageably broken because traditional talk therapy had a minimal effect, if any, on how it felt to live in my body as it carried all my trauma experiences. There were many points on this journey, long ago, I thought were the end. It wasn’t until I encountered drama therapy and found a way to express my stories in an embodied way and used art between sessions to process my feelings and create a map - “My Way OUT”- that I began to feel hopeful… that life could be more than pain and struggle. Through that journey I found my feet, my voice and a growing desire to learn the art of drama therapy so that I could pass it on as I knew many other people needed this path… this way too!
Throughout my journey, I have immersed myself in the study and practice of a powerful form of therapy known as Developmental Transformations (DvT). Since 2018, DvT has become a source of liberation, healing, and renewed hope, both for my own personal growth and in helping others navigate their own paths of transformation. DvT involves spontaneous, improvisational role-playing between clients and the therapist, creating a safe space for exploration and self-expression. Clients often describe it as therapeutic play with a dream-like quality as it is not always linear and metaphor is king. DvT, like dreaming, is a way to explore feelings, thoughts, beliefs with more or less intensity. Each time is different and at first may feel silly or strange, but your brain and body find this space as a place to reprocess and let go.
Incorporating the principles of DvT, I bring a distinctive fusion of body and movement-based therapies into my practice. Recognizing the therapeutic benefits of play, I integrate elements of play, drama therapy, sandtray therapy, and creative arts. These approaches not only provide a creative outlet for self-expression but also offer a pathway for healing and growth.
Play, including drama therapy, is a powerful tool for individuals healing from trauma. It offers a safe and non-threatening environment to explore emotions, rebuild trust, and integrate traumatic experiences. Through playful interactions, individuals can regain a sense of agency, enhance emotional regulation, and develop resilience. Research and clinical practice have shown that play promotes relaxation, fosters connections, and enhances brain plasticity, supporting the healing process for ADULTS as well.
I have a highly collaborative approach with clients throughout their therapeutic process. I value their input, encourage their active participation, and prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment that respects their unique experiences and needs.
Accommodating individuals with accessibility needs is extremely important to me. Because I see clients that have various immunological concerns due to chronic illness as well as being an immunocompromised person myself, I do require face masks in person. I also offer virtual options that allow me to also provide therapy to anyone in the state of Missouri. In-person sessions are available and the office and bathrooms are ADA-accessible.
Clinical Areas of Interest
I specialize in three primary niches, allowing me to provide targeted support and expertise to those who require specialized care:
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I have extensive experience working with individuals who have Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Other Specified Dissociative Disorders (OSDD). I firmly believe in creating a safe and supportive environment that holds space for all parts of the self. Utilizing a harm reduction collaborative approach, I work collaboratively with clients to understand and address the unique challenges associated with dissociation, trauma processing, and resolution within dissociative systems. Through incorporating drama therapy and play-based interventions, we can explore and heal in a way that promotes self-discovery and growth.
Here are my stances on some important points:
1) I believe in functional multiplicity and strive to help systems connect and communicate so they can live a life together in recovery.
2) I do not believe in pushing systems to integrate parts into one identity or getting rid of parts. Often there are transformations and sometimes spontaneous integrations - these are system led only.
3) All parts are welcome.
4) I DO believe in integration of story, which means that - over time, as it is safe enough - parts all share their part of their stories and this creates a united narrative that allows the system to be coherent.
5) I believe DID and OSDD and any and all subsets of them can be a superpower. -
I understand the complexities and emotional toll that chronic illness can have on individuals. I offer comprehensive support by helping clients navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany their condition. Drawing upon drama therapy techniques and creative interventions, we can explore grief, loss, and identity changes, and develop strategies to manage symptoms, promote resilience, and enhance overall well-being.
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Recognizing the immense challenges faced by healthcare workers, especially in the wake of the pandemic, I am dedicated to supporting their well-being. Through my continued volunteer work with Emotional - PPE, I offer six free sessions to healthcare workers in Missouri who are experiencing burnout. These sessions are tailored to address the specific needs of healthcare workers and are structured to focus on moving through one piece of trauma work related to an experience directly tied to their profession. By incorporating drama therapy, we can address work-based triggers, cope with traumatic experiences, and develop strategies to prevent burnout and promote self-care. Healthcare workers that access me through E-PPE are welcome to continue with me as a regular therapy client after their 6 free sessions.
If you are seeking support in these areas, I am here to provide a safe and empathic space for your healing journey. Together, we can explore, transform, and empower you to lead a life of meaning and well-being.
Session Rates
Individual session rates are $130 for a 50-55 minute appointment. Please let me know if you’re interested in learning more about using your out-of-network insurance benefits.
Professional Experiences
I have a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Central Methodist University. As a Drama Therapy Alternative Training Student, Developmental Transformations Advanced Level 2 practitioner, and a neuropsych enthusiast, I am passionate about incorporating creative therapeutic approaches into my practice, recognizing their profound impact on healing and transformation.
I have presented at Healing Together Conference by An Infinite Mind in Florida 4 times.
I am in ongoing DvT training at the Polaris Institute in Chicago and have attended DvT International School in New Haven Connecticut.
In 2017, I was accepted to the St Louis Fringe Festival as a co-author of a theatre production about sex trafficking.
Take Your Next Step
To contact me directly, please email river@cozychaircounseling.com or call/text 314.328.5678.