Helping Professionals Interview Series: Kierstin Godier-Franklin, LCSW of Partners in Wellness
We love to stay connected, and help you to connect, with other helping professionals in St. Louis.
We previously spoke with Laura Bumberry, Psy D. of Partners in Wellness about her work with eating disorders - you can read her interview right here.
Recently, Laura shared with us that the team at Partners in Wellness was growing and Kierstin Godier-Franklin, LCSW had joined the team. Kierstin works with kids, teens, and adults and specializes in treating eating disorders.
You can read more about Kierstin, her approach and how you connect with her below!
Kierstin Godier-Franklin, LCSW
Why did you choose to become a counselor in St. Louis?
I decided to be a counselor in St. Louis because I wanted to be part of the amazing networks of mental health professionals St. Louis offers.
I’ve been lucky to have worked with some very skilled clinicians who have helped me grow in my field.
Additionally, St. Louis offers a unique blend of urban and suburban environments, which has allowed me to work with a broad spectrum of individuals and families.
What kind of treatment do you provide?
I offer evidence-based treatments tailored to each client’s needs, with a focus on creating a supportive and collaborative environment.
I often use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients manage emotions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build practical coping skills.
For clients with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), I use CBT-AR, a structured, research-backed approach specifically designed to help individuals expand their range of safe foods and reduce anxiety around eating.
When working with adolescents with eating disorders, I provide Family-Based Treatment (FBT), which empowers families to take an active role in their child’s recovery—restoring health and helping re-establish a positive relationship with food. My goal is to match each person or family with the tools and support that best fit their journey toward healing and lasting change.
What ages do you work with?
I work with a broad range of ages, from children as young as seven to adults in their 70s.
What can parents expect to leave with after working with you?
Parents can expect to leave with a deeper understanding of their child’s eating disorder and a stronger sense of how to support their recovery in meaningful, compassionate ways.
I prioritize collaboration, education, and empowerment—so families don’t just feel included in the process, but central to it.
Do you provide online counseling services?
Yes, I provide virtual therapy services.
What happens during a first appointment with you?
The first appointment is a chance for us to get to know each other in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. I approach this session with curiosity and compassion, my goal is to understand their story, not just their symptoms. I also work hard to encourage them to only choose me as their therapist if it genuinely feels like a good fit for them. This process is about them, their comfort, their goals, and what they need in a therapeutic relationship. I want them to feel comfortable with their choice.
In a Family-Based Treatment (FBT) first session for an eating disorder, I typically meet with just the parents or caregivers. This session is focused on laying a strong foundation for the treatment process. We’ll spend time discussing your child’s history with eating, growth, medical concerns, and any recent changes you’ve observed. I’ll also explain the FBT model—why it’s evidence-based, how it works, and what your role as parents will be in helping your child recover. We’ll begin to explore how the eating disorder has impacted your family, and I’ll answer any questions you have about what to expect.
My goal in this first session is to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered—so you can leave with a clearer understanding of the path ahead and the vital role you play in your child’s recovery.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?
My favorite clients aren’t any one type of person; they’re people who are willing to show up honestly, even when things feel messy or uncertain. Whether someone is navigating an eating disorder, struggling with anxiety, or working through depression, I find so much meaning in helping them untangle those experiences and reconnect with their strengths.
Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from anxiety?
Rather than focusing only on symptom reduction, I work with clients to build self- awareness, develop coping tools, and reconnect with the parts of life that anxiety has pushed into the background.
We look at the underlying beliefs and habits that keep anxiety in place—like avoidance or perfectionism—and practice new ways of responding that promote flexibility, resilience, and self-compassion.
Ultimately, my goal is to help people feel more grounded and empowered, so they can navigate life with more confidence and less fear.
What do you wish people knew about going to counseling?
I wish people knew that not all therapy—or therapists—are the same. Just like any relationship, the connection you have with your therapist matters. Different therapists have different styles, approaches, and personalities, and what works well for one person might not be the right fit for someone else. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel helpful, that doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you—it just might mean you haven’t found the right match yet.
How can people learn more and contact you?
People are welcome to either call our office at 314-736-5446 or email me at Kierstin@partnersinwellnessstl.com.
You can connect with Partners in Wellness via social media at these links:
https://www.instagram.com/partnersinwellnessstl/#
https://www.facebook.com/PartnersinWellnessSTL
You can also connect with Kiersten and the team at Partners in Wellness through their Caregiver Workshops. This workshop is for folks who care for adolescents and young adults with eating disorders.
You can learn more right here: https://www.partnersinwellnessstl.com/caregiver-workshop
Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.
As a child, I lived in Japan for a year and a half while my family was stationed there with the military. It was a magical time—filled with winding streets, beautiful architecture, and the most colorful, fun food flavors I had ever experienced.
Curious to learn more about getting treatment for anxiety and anxiety-driven anger or interested in getting individualized parent coaching? Wondering if you need to connect with a therapist in St. Louis? 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 Kiersten!
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 by offering both in-person counseling and online therapy 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.