Championing you on your journey toward health, healing, and reaching your human potential
Meet Renee Mapes, PhD, a counselor and sport psychologist based in Columbia, Missouri
Hi, I’m Renee
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
I completed my undergraduate work at Northern Michigan University with a major in psychology. In 2002, I started my Ph.D. in counseling psychology with an emphasis in sport psychology at Mizzou, working with the athletic department for five years. In 2008, I was named as the Distinguished Student Practitioner within the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
From 2008 to 2010, I completed my internship and postdoctoral work at the University of California, Davis in the Counseling and Psychological Services center. My time was split between the counseling center and athletic department. During this time, I added a secondary emphasis area in Eating Disorder treatment. The hope to provide the most comprehensive services to athlete populations led to a passion for helping those with any background overcome the struggles associated with eating and body image disorders.
In the fall of 2010, I returned to Columbia and joined the practice of Mayer, Flanagan, Scott and Associates as a licensed psychologist. In 2016, I started my solo practice.
Personal BACKGROUND
Originally from rural Southeast Michigan, I still love my farm-kid roots. School was always my first priority and I’ve got the same “love to learn everything” soul today. Athletically, I trained in competitive cheer and then Muay Thai kickboxing, but any way of being active and energetic is just who I am. In high school, I was a supportive teammate to those with big competitive goals and discovered in college that this could actually be a career choice. So exciting!
I stay connected to my roots by spending time on mid-Missouri's elaborate trail system, playing in my garden, and splashing around on my paddleboard as much as possible. In 2021, I accomplished a personal goal of section hiking the entire Katy Trail and am currently learning more about endurance races and ultra running. Future me is going to find out how much I can see with a backpack and a ridiculously long trail. Or will it be paddleboard and river? Both would be fantastic - it’s a big, juicy world out there and I’m looking forward to seeing as much of it as possible.
Along with all of the adventures in nature, I am continually investing in and learning about myself. I have been on a journey to deepen my personal mindfulness practice through Yoga Nidra training. Reading, podcasts, and quality conversations with amazing people are some of my favorite ways of learning. The wisdom and understanding that comes from working with growth-focused others is actually an amazing gift of being a therapist and truly treasured.
As your therapist, you can trust me to:
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Hold You Accountable to Doing the Work
The work of evolving and healing from difficult traumas and histories isn’t comfortable, but it’s worth it. I’m here through the hard.
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Listen with Empathy and Compassion
Having someone in your corner you can trust, guiding you on the way to build your inner fire as fuel to write your new story.
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Navigate the Hard Stuff with Humor
During sessions, my no-BS approach gets to the heart of the matter, but always with a sense of levity whenever possible.
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See How Capable and Worthy You Are
It’s my joy to help clients be in awe of themselves and seeing that they are more worthy and capable than imagined.
Starting therapy is not an easy step to take.
I understand this process can be intimidating. With the right environment, a support system, and time, you can get better, even if it all feels impossible at this moment.
I have had the honor of helping people just like you for over two decades - and believe in your potential for change. I have watched many individuals move beyond suffering to act in meaningful ways as the person who has their own back: courageous, encouraging, and lovingly in their corner. I enjoy walking alongside those who are ready to take the next steps towards a better life.
You are worth the hard work and energy it takes to get better. Let’s start your journey.