River Dowdy, BA, MS, PLPC, DvT1 Advanced
“…The body is the heart of the work. Return here when lost. The playful relationship is the heart of the work. Return here when lost…”
-Randy McCommons
About Me
Trauma can make connecting to the body intolerable. But without our body, we have no map. Without the body, we are lost. The body is the heart of the work. Return here when lost. Often, we must learn to play again or for the first time. Healing is the journey home, to yourself, and toward connection to others. Hi there, my name is River (she/they). I am a human, a recovering perfectionist, a storyteller, a witness, a healer, and a creator.
My superpower is creating meaning and connection internally and externally, often with the most unlikely supplies. I have been studying and practicing a form of drama therapy called Developmental Transformations, DvT, for several years, and in it, I have found freedom, healing, and hope for myself and for others. Due to the pandemic, I have found creative ways to continue this work online utilizing a custom and ever-changing web-based interface I created called The Sand Brain Portal. My education background includes: UMSL BA Psychology 2017, CMU MS- Clinical Counseling 2021, DvT1 Training ongoing
My specialties
Trauma & PTSD – Complex Trauma – Dissociation & Dissociative Disorders – Healthcare Provider Burnout – Chronic Illness – LGBTQiA++
Who I work with
Adults 18+
About my therapy approach
As a PLPC and drama therapist in St. Louis, I bring a unique fusion of body and movement-based therapies (DvT), a sprinkle of play, elements from sandtray, and internal family systems tied together with creative arts interventions and the internet. I help other humans create, reveal, explore, become, transform and heal from trauma. Together we can find ways to make it safe enough to slow down, begin to heal, and foster hope that there is more to life than pain and repeating patterns.
Services Provided: Developmental Transformations, DvT Sandtray, Traditional Talk Therapy, Telehealth
I am accepting new clients. Please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you.
Supervisor: Katie Bohn || Supervisor License: 2013044072
