Today we’d like to introduce you to Aby Reitzel.
Hi Aby, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Right after high school, I went straight to work full-time and attended massage therapy school. This was right after 9/11, in 2001, a time when the world felt uncertain and everyone was trying to find their path. I ultimately decided not to pursue massage therapy and instead earned my degree in business.
I worked full-time while completing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which wasn’t easy, but I made it happen. During that time, I got married and continued growing in my corporate career, moving into leadership roles and really thriving professionally.
But as life does, it threw me some challenges. I found myself in an emotionally abusive situation that really shook me. I knew I needed help and began counseling. After trying several therapists, I found one who truly made a difference, Maryanne Fowler. She helped me heal, grow, and rediscover myself.
That experience completely changed my direction. I realized I wanted to do the same for other women. I wanted to help them find their strength and navigate life’s hard seasons. So, while raising my son and still working full-time, I went back to school for my second master’s degree to become a mental health therapist.
Today, I own Wildflower Counseling and Coaching in Arnold, MO, where I help women and individuals discover their best selves and find healing through life’s struggles. It’s been a long journey, but one that’s led me exactly where I’m meant to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not, it’s been anything but smooth. There were seasons when it felt like everything was working against me. Balancing full-time work & being a mom while going to school was exhausting. There were times I questioned if it was all worth it or if I could even keep up.
On top of that, I went through some really painful personal experiences. Being in an emotionally abusive relationship took a toll on my confidence and sense of self. It’s hard to show up at work, at school, or as a mom when you’re struggling inside. But that pain also became a turning point for me. It pushed me to seek help, to grow, and ultimately to find my purpose.
Even when I started my practice, there were challenges. Learning the business side of private practice, juggling family life, a full-time job, and staying grounded while helping others heal. But through it all, I’ve learned that growth rarely happens on smooth roads. The struggles built my resilience and helped me connect more deeply with the people I serve today.
We’ve been impressed with Wildflower Counseling & Coaching, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wildflower Counseling & Coaching was created from both personal experience and professional passion. We’re based in Arnold, Missouri, and our mission is to help people, especially women & teen girls, heal, grow, and rediscover their confidence and strength.
At Wildflower Counseling & Coaching, we specialize in working with women who have experienced emotional abuse, relationship challenges, anxiety, and life transitions. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck or unsure of who they are anymore. Together, we work to help them find their voice, rebuild self-worth, and step into a more empowered version of themselves.
What truly sets us apart is the heart behind what we do. This isn’t just a business, it’s deeply personal. I’ve been where many of my clients are, and that allows me to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. My approach combines empathy, real-world perspective, and evidence-based techniques to guide each person through their unique healing journey.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the meaning behind our name, Wildflower. Wildflowers grow in unexpected places, often through cracks and rocky soil, yet they still bloom beautifully. That’s exactly how I see the people I work with: resilient, strong, and capable of thriving despite life’s challenges.
We offer individual therapy, coaching, and support for women navigating transitions, trauma, or relationship difficulties. Whether someone is seeking deep emotional healing or simply wanting to reconnect with their purpose, Wildflower is a place for growth, renewal, and empowerment.
What I most want people to know is this: healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Wildflower Counseling and Coaching, we walk beside you as you rediscover your strength and create the life you deserve.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about St. Louis is the sense of community and the people. There’s such a genuine, down-to-earth spirit here. People look out for one another, and there’s a lot of pride in our neighborhoods. I also love that St. Louis has a great mix of small-town warmth and big-city opportunities. You can find amazing local businesses, beautiful parks, great food, and so many ways to get involved. It’s a place that feels both familiar and full of possibility. As someone who grew up in Florissant, moved to St. Charles, and then Arnold, there is great community and support in each part of St. Louis.
What I like least would probably be how divided the area can feel at times, this has been very apparent recently, whether it’s socially, economically, or geographically. There’s so much potential in this city, and I wish there were more collaboration and connection between communities. But even that gives me hope, because there are so many people and organizations here working hard to make St. Louis stronger and more unified.
Pricing:
- Insurance (Aetna, UHC, Cigna, Optum, BCBS)
- Private Pay (Rates start at $125)
- Sliding Scale Rates available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildflowercounselingandcoaching.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildflowerCounselingandCoaching
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wildflower-counseling-coaching
