Helping Professionals Interview Series: Treating OCD and Anxiety Disorders with Seda Follis, LCSW
Seda Follis, LCSW
At Compassionate Counseling St. Louis, we know that finding the right therapist is an important part of the counseling journey. Every person and family has unique needs, and our goal is to help you find the support that feels like the best fit - whether that means working with one of our St. Louis counselors or connecting with another wonderful St. Louis therapist.
Because we’re committed to helping individuals and families access high-quality mental health care, we’re always excited to highlight other exceptional providers in our community. Today, we’re pleased to introduce St. Louis therapist and anxiety specialist, Seda Follis, LCSW.
You can learn more about how Seda works with people throughout Missouri, her expertise with anxiety disorders, and how you can connect with her below!
Why did you choose to become a counselor in St. Louis, and how long have you been working with clients?
I became a therapist after "retiring" from a career of more than two decades in healthcare data and analytics. While I enjoyed solving complex problems, I realized that what energized me most was helping people navigate challenges, grow, and create meaningful change. Becoming a therapist allowed me to combine my analytical background with my passion for helping others in a way that feels deeply fulfilling.
After completing my graduate training, I completed a fellowship at the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute's internationally recognized OCD and Anxiety Center, where I specialized in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. That experience confirmed this was the work I wanted to dedicate my second career to. Today, I provide evidence-based, individualized treatment that helps people reconnect with what matters most.
What kind of treatment do you provide, and what can people expect from it?
I specialize in treating OCD and anxiety disorders using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD. My work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which complements ERP by helping people develop greater psychological flexibility and a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings.
Clients can expect a collaborative, active approach that includes learning practical skills, gradually facing fears through ERP, and developing the ability to handle uncertainty while choosing actions that move them toward the life they want to live. My goal is not only to help people overcome their current struggles but also to equip them with skills they can continue using long after therapy ends.
What ages do you work with?
I primarily work with adults experiencing any form of OCD, health anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias, and other anxiety-related concerns. I also work with parents and family members who want to better understand OCD and anxiety and learn how to respond in ways that support recovery rather than the disorder. Because OCD and anxiety often impact the entire family system, helping caregivers develop new skills can make a meaningful difference for both the individual and their loved ones.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
The first session is an opportunity to develop a clear understanding of what brings someone to therapy. Initial appointments are typically 75–90 minutes, allowing enough time to explore current challenges, what's already been helpful, and what the person hopes to gain from treatment. I also use evidence-based assessments to complement our conversation and establish a baseline for measuring progress over time.
Although every person's experience with OCD or anxiety is unique, the patterns that keep people stuck are often surprisingly predictable. Identifying those patterns helps shape an individualized working plan and provides a roadmap for the work ahead. My hope is that clients leave the first session with a clearer understanding of what's happening, confidence that recovery is possible, and practical next steps to begin moving toward a life guided by their values.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with, and when would you refer out?
I enjoy working with adults experiencing all forms of OCD and anxiety disorders, whether they're just beginning to recognize these patterns or are seeking specialized treatment after previous therapy or a higher level of care.
My practice is designed for outpatient care, and I value collaborating with referring therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, and other providers to support continuity of care. When someone's needs fall outside my scope or require a higher level of care, I'm committed to helping them connect with the provider or resources that best support their recovery.
Do you offer online counseling?
Yes. I offer both in-person therapy in Clayton, Missouri, and secure telehealth sessions located anywhere in Missouri.
What is one thing you would want parents of teens with OCD or anxiety to know?
Recovery is possible. OCD and anxiety often convince families that the only way to help is by providing reassurance or preventing distress. In reality, lasting progress comes from learning how to face uncertainty, build resilience, and respond differently to fear. With the right treatment and support, people can learn to live full, meaningful lives without OCD or anxiety being in the driver's seat.
How can people learn more or contact you?
You can learn more about my practice by visiting www.folliswellness.com or contact me directly at sedafollisLCSW@gmail.com or 314-301-8623.
Share one fun fact about you that most people don't know.
I'm a lifelong learner and enjoy trying new things—even when they don't work out as planned. At one point, my husband and I dreamed of traveling the world by motorcycle. I earned my motorcycle license, only to realize that riding simply wasn't for me. Surprisingly, letting go of that dream taught me an important lesson: sometimes growth isn't about forcing yourself to become someone you're not—it's about being willing to discover who you are. Fortunately, there are still plenty of adventures, new skills to learn, and meaningful work that continues to inspire me.
Curious to learn more about starting counseling? Wondering what would be a good fit for you and your family? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based therapists, like Seda!
Curious to learn more about anxiety and anxiety-driven anger? Reach out to us at hello@compassionatecounselingstl.com. As child anxiety experts, we love working with kids, teens, college students and parents to help manage their anxiety, stress, and anger. Compassionate Counseling St. Louis is located in Clayton, MO and works with families throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Couer, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood. We also provide online therapy Missouri wide to teens and college students. You can set up your first free consult on this website, on our consultation page.