Jake Bava, M.Ed. PLPC

Hi, I’m Jake! I’m a therapist at Marble Wellness.

My Education and Professional Background

I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!) and my M.Ed. in Counseling at the University of Missouri – St. Louis with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health. I am over 90% of the completed with my PLPC supervision hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in early 2025.

I have spent a total of 5 years working in the mental health care field in a variety of roles and positions. I spent over 2 years working in a residential treatment center for eating disorders, as well as several years working in community counseling at the Counseling and Social Advocacy Center on UMSL’s campus and at Creve Coeur Community Counseling for my internship. After that, I spent two years in private practice as a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor. My experiences in these roles have taught me how to connect with a wide variety of people regardless of their backgrounds.

How I Like to Work in Therapy

Overall, I would say that my counseling style is eclectic. I understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health so I am always willing to pivot my approach in a way that best serves my clients. That being said, I consider myself a Narrative Therapist, meaning that I love to learn about the stories of my clients, their defining chapters, the most important characters, and the underlying themes and ideas that drive their personal stories. 

I love working with adolescents, adults, and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, anger management, autism, and ADHD. I also have experience working with addictions, bipolar, and trauma. What drives me to work with these populations is the sense of empowerment and autonomy that my clients achieve through the work we do. At the same time, I understand from personal experience how difficult it can be to recognize the power we have in daunting circumstances that seem out of our control. I strive to help my clients best understand how they can seize control of that which is within their grasp while accepting the things that are outside their control. 

Therapy, first and foremost, is about connecting with the person in front of you. Regardless of their background or prior life experiences, everyone deserves to feel a sense of connection and understanding with the people in their lives. What I love most about being a therapist is giving people the opportunity to better explore and understand the nature of this connection and how to forge that connection with others in their lives, as well as themselves. Whether it’s good or bad, messy or neat, there is beauty to be found in the work of therapy. 

Advanced or Relevant Training

• Gottman Couples Therapy: Level 1    
• Motivational Interviewing: Level 1
• Dungeons and Dragons Therapy Integration Training

Fun Fact

More than anything, I am a massive nerd. I love all things movies, video games, music, TV and more. I am a huge fan of Dungeons and Dragons as well as other TTRPGs. The fantasy genre as a whole has always captivated me. I’m also an Eagle Scout, come from a huge Disney family, and recently got married! One major item on my bucket list is to visit Japan, South Korea, and other areas of Asia. 

Jake is under the supervision of Kristi Machica, LPC, RPT-S, License No: 2010031659 (LPC), S2821 (RPT)

Begin Counseling with STL Therapist, Jake Bava

Now you know Jake! We are so excited for you to get started with him in our Ballwin, MO counseling clinic. He can also chat via telehealth for online therapy in Missouri. Truly, anywhere in the state! Taking this first step is a big deal, so you are already making great progress! Just follow these simple steps and we will get started.