Counseling and Assessment Services
Compassionate, effective, capable, and informed services
We have experienced therapists and counselors who provide effective, compassionate counseling and assessment services.
The term “hesed” is an ancient word that means steadfast love, ongoing kindness with committed engagement. Consistent with this, we at Hesed are committed to bringing a holistic approach that takes into consideration all parts of who you are, the biological, psychological, social, and even spiritual aspects of your life, as you face the many challenges of life. These challenges may include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relational challenges, memory challenges, attentional concerns, executive functioning challenges, bereavement/grief, OCD, and many other challenges or considerations.
We would consider it a privilege to support and come alongside you as you pursue growth, peace, and increased effectiveness in your life.
Meet the Team
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Dr. Ben Pyykkonen, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist/Founder
Dr. Benjamin Pyykkonen is a lifespan clinical neuropsychologist with more than 20 years of active clinical experience. Dr. Pyykkonen is the co-founder and owner of Hesed Psychological Services. He currently serves as doctoral faculty and director of the neuropsychology lab at Wheaton College, where he is actively engaged in research related to the experiences and impacts of various conditions and diagnoses. Click here to learn more about Dr. Benjamin Pyykkonen and his approach to diagnosis and treatment. -
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Dr. Eiko Venovic. PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Eiko Venovic is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than a decade of therapy experience, including a variety of specialties. Dr. Venovic utilizes both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy to assist her clients as they grow and develop a lifestyle more consistent with their values. Click here to learn more about Dr. Eiko Venovic. -
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Dr. Brad Kahle, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Kahle is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, loss/grief, relationship/communication difficulties, coping with physical/health-related problems, and spiritual/faith concerns. He specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. He has a special interest in helping those with infertility and adoption-related difficulties. To learn more about Dr. Kahle Click here. -
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Dr. Christina Hollman, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist (Saint Louis, MO)
Dr. Christina Hollman is a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, specializing in neuropsychological assessment for adults. She completed her neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Dr. Hollman has experience working with a variety of diagnoses, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other movement disorders, stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, neurosurgical candidates, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, other medical/health conditions, and psychiatric concerns.
Contact Dr. Christian Hollman via email at: drchristinahollman@hesedpsych.com
or by phone at:
(314) 499- 5953
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Andrew Linder, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Andrew Linder is a licensed clinical Social worker who brings 37 years of clinical experience to Hesed, 30 of which were with Meier Clinics. He works with individuals, couples, and families. Common issues that he works with include Anger, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Blended Families, Boundaries, Co-dependency, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Divorce, Fears, Grief/Loss, Marital Concerns, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Parenting, Relationships, Sexual Addiction/Pornography, Spiritual issues, Stress, Trust, and Woundedness. In addition to these, Andrew is passionate about helping clients work through issues involving Self-Esteem, Guilt, Shame, and Self-Forgiveness. He provides services to many couples and families and is passionate about helping clients to heal, restore, and improve relationships. Click here to learn more about Mr. Andrew Linder and his approach to treatment. -
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Dr. Alyssa Donovan, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Donovan is a licensed clinical psychologist who helps clients with anxiety, OCD, and traumatic stress. She also has specialized training in child therapy and parent coaching.
Dr. Donovan utilizes cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and solution-focused approaches. She conducts therapy in English and Spanish. To learn more about Dr. Donovan, Click here.
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Dr. Maggie Bila, PsyD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Bila is a postdoctoral fellow at Hesed Psychological Services. Dr. Bila has extensive experience working in crisis stabilization, academic medical centers, and Veterans Administration hospitals. Click hereto learn more about Dr. Bila.
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Dr. Jen Kern, PsyD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Kern is a postdoctoral fellow at Hesed Psychological Services. She has extensive experience in assessments with adults and children. She also has significant experience in supporting children and adults as they manage challenges in life related to social concerns, depression, anxiety, executive functioning, and adjusting to major life changes across the lifespan. Click here to learn more about Dr. Kern.
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Samantha Kurapaty, B.S.
Practicum Student/Therapist
Samantha is an Indian American therapy extern at Hesed Psychological Services. She is interested in the use of CBT/DBT, exposure/response prevention, and psychodynamic/family systems approaches to promote greater understanding of self, others, and the thought patterns one engages in. She also appreciates the role that various parts of one's identity (such as family, culture, race, religion, gender, country of origin, and more) play in shaping one's perspectives and worldviews, and seeks to consider all of these things together in her understanding of a person.
Neuropsychological Assessment (6 - 90+ years of age)
See our latest publication here!
With publications in multiple journals (Frontiers in Neurology, The Journal of Pediatric Blood Cancer, Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, Journal of Christian Higher Education, and The Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society), Dr. Pyykkonen and his team provide assessment services informed by the best practices and the latest research in neuropsychological assessment across the lifespan.
At Hesed, we provide neuropsychological and psychological assessment services for all ages (ages 6 to 90+), assessing for learning difficulties, attention problems, ADHD, memory concerns, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer's, stroke, and/or dementia of other kinds.
Informed by state-of-the-art research and best practices in clinical neuropsychology, we bring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to each and every client. Whether you have concerns emerging for your child in school, are recovering from a medical condition or injury, need clarification related to emotional fluctuations/challenges, experience social challenges, or you begin to experience memory issues, you need a knowledgeable and skilled professional who can assess the situation and help you determine the right next step. We can provide comprehensive, informed assessment services to help bring clarity to situations that otherwise feel chaotic.
Saint Louis, Missouri
(Ballwin, Missouri)
In-person or remote counseling services
Therapy Services
At Hesed, we offer a range of therapy services designed to support individuals in navigating life's challenges. Our licensed therapists are trained in various therapeutic approaches, ensuring that we provide personalized care tailored to each individual's needs. Every person will experience significant hardships or challenges in life. At Hesed, we desire to come alongside and support you, whatever these difficulties might be.
Individual Therapy
Our individual therapy sessions focus on personal growth, emotional health, and coping strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Family Therapy
Family therapy aims to improve communication and resolve conflicts within the family unit. Our therapists work with families to strengthen relationships and enhance overall family dynamics.
Specialized Services
We offer specialized services for children, adolescents, and adults facing unique challenges. This includes trauma-informed care, grief counseling, executive functioning support, and support for individuals with specific mental health diagnoses.