Clinical Specializations
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches delivered with compassion, cultural competence, and over 13 years of clinical experience at Lakeside Behavioral Health and CenterPointe Hospital.
Clinical Expertise
Areas of Specialization
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Nationally certified DBTC specializing in the full four-module framework: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Structured skills training for individuals, couples, and groups.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
NBCCH-certified hypnotherapist specializing in relaxation, anxiety reduction, smoking cessation, and positive outcome imagery. Clinical and spiritual hypnotherapy for restoration of mind, body, and spirit coordination.
Trauma-Informed Care
Extensive experience treating PTSD and childhood trauma through evidence-based approaches. Biopsychosocial methodology that addresses root causes rather than merely managing symptoms. Safe Place Visualization and grounding techniques.
Anxiety & Mood Disorders
Specialized treatment for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood disorders using CBT, mindfulness stress reduction, and integrative techniques. Practical skills for daily emotional regulation and crisis management.
BPD & Self-Injury
Clinical expertise in Borderline Personality Disorder and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). DBT-based interventions that build distress tolerance, reduce harmful coping patterns, and develop interpersonal effectiveness.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Culturally competent, inclusive therapeutic practice. A representative for cultural diversity providing affirming, safe clinical environments for the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals of all backgrounds.
Session Types
How We Work Together
Treatment Methodology
Integrative Treatment Approach
DBT Skills Training
The foundation of Edward's clinical practice. Structured skills training across four evidence-based modules: Core Mindfulness teaches present-moment awareness with radical acceptance. Distress Tolerance builds crisis survival skills — TIPP, STOP, Wise Mind ACCEPTS. Emotion Regulation develops the ability to influence emotions through opposite action and check-the-facts. Interpersonal Effectiveness uses DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST frameworks for healthy relationships.
Mindfulness Stress Reduction
Drawing from over 2,500 years of contemplative practice, Mindfulness Stress Reduction Techniques (MSRT) help clients understand the present experience in real time with radical acceptance. Techniques include mindful breathing, body scan meditation, walking meditation, loving-kindness practice, and concentration exercises. These practices regulate emotions during stressful situations and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
As an NBCCH-certified clinical hypnotherapist, Edward uses hypnotherapy for deep relaxation, anxiety reduction, smoking cessation, and positive outcome imagery. Sessions access the subconscious mind to create lasting behavioral change. Both clinical and spiritual hypnotherapy approaches are offered for restoration of mind, body, and spirit coordination. NLP and Creative Visualization techniques complement the hypnotherapy framework.
Positive Outcome Imagery
A cornerstone of Edward's integrative approach. Positive Outcome Imagery creates mental images of desired outcomes — building self-image, motivation, and belief in one's capacity for change. Rather than focusing on negative expectations, clients learn to visualize success and practice affirmations. This technique integrates with DBT, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness for a comprehensive treatment experience.
Group Therapy Curriculum
IOP Group Focus Areas
Each group session follows a three-part structure: mood survey and process discussion, psychoeducational topic, and coping skills identification for managing depression, anxiety, panic, and anger.
Mindfulness
Present-moment awareness with radical acceptance to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.
Distress Tolerance
Learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations — responding rather than reacting.
Emotion Regulation
Using mindful awareness to influence how emotions affect yourself and others.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
DEAR MAN skills for self-respect, relationship management, and assertive communication.
Dialectical Thinking
Expanding your way of seeing situations — two ideas can both be true at the same time.
Radical Acceptance
Accepting life as it occurs, on life's terms, as a pathway to inner peace.
Positive Outcome Imagery
Creating images of what could happen positively instead of expecting negative outcomes.
Self-Esteem & Self-Discovery
The lifelong study of your capabilities to identify meaningfulness and true purpose.
Healing the Child Within
Processing Adverse Childhood Experiences to heal and move forward with compassion.
Grief & Loss
Accepting the passing of loved ones and allowing life transitions without intense abandonment.
Forgiveness
Letting go of anxious thoughts that cause depression, anger, resentment, and shame.
Life Skills & Attitude
Using mood, attitude, attraction, character, integrity, and self-image to achieve goals.
Locations
Where to Find Us
Lakeside Behavioral Health LLC
4121 Union Rd. Suite 201
St. Louis, MO 63129
October 2017 – Present
Individual, couples, and group counseling. Clinical and spiritual hypnotherapy. DBT skills training, mindfulness, and positive outcome imagery.
CenterPointe Hospital
5000 Cedar Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63128
August 2012 – Present
Therapist II. Individual psychological intake assessment, treatment planning, psychotherapy, IOP group facilitation, utilization review, and aftercare services.
About the Author
Edward Flynn
ABS, MA, LPC, NBCCH, DBTC
Edward Flynn is a nationally recognized psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist with over 13 years of clinical experience. He specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and trauma-informed care at Lakeside Behavioral Health LLC and CenterPointe Hospital in St. Louis, MO. A champion for cultural diversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.