Therapists in Missouri

Samantha Graham-Douglas, LPC and Life Restoration Center have been a part of the community since 2011. We have a mission of providing comfort, safety, and respect to those coming from hopeless situations - including trauma, sexual abuse, substance abuse, sexual addictions, criminal activity, delinquency, behavioral issues, parenting issues, and marital problems. Samantha and other team members have been trained in several trauma theories such as TF-CBT and EMDR and have experience working with substance abuse, addictions, mental health, family systems and focus on the whole family- children, adolescents, adults and families.

The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.

Life is beautiful but often/sometimes challenging. Some days we feel confident and happy while other days we may feel alone or overwhelmed. The clients I work with are seeking new tools, skills, techniques and interventions to help them feel better, more in control and empowered on a daily basis. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults and elders experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem and more. Everyone deserves to have a safe space, with unconditional support that allows them to be authentically themselves, always.

Play is the place where children’s minds, hearts, and souls meet. Through Play Therapy, children are able to heal from distressing events such as, but not limited to, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, depression, adoption, foster care and attachment issues; and to improve in myriad areas such as impulse control, emotional regulation, ADHD, OCD, and ODD. As your child’s therapist, my goal is to enable children to heal, so that they are empowered to “rise and shine” to their highest potential.

My experience with helping individuals and families overcome difficult challenges is my passion. I believe that it easier to find and build upon one's strengths than it is to focus primarily on fixing problems. Much of my time in therapy is spent on discovering creative solutions rather than talking too long just about what is wrong. I often involve the whole family and believe that every person is unique and requires an individualized approach. One size does not fit all. Please call me or email today discuss your needs and hopes and/or to set an appointment time.

Our past experiences and relationships shape how we see the world around us and how we cope with issues and struggles we encounter in our lives. If you are frustrated with feeling out of control, therapy can increase your self-awareness, social connectedness and coping skills. Understanding the "why" of your behaviors and emotions and increasing healthy coping skills can change your life. If you are ready to take the next step in understanding your "why" and "how to move forward", please reach out.

Do you find yourself feeling lost or confused about who you are? Maybe you're struggling to thrive or even to cope as the world changes around you. Identity struggles, grief, relational challenges, traumatic experiences, health changes, spiritual crises, and other naturally occurring stressors are all potential sources of anxiety that can alter the way we think and feel about ourselves and others in our present moment and moving forward. As a trauma-informed practitioner, I approach each relationship with a person-centered focus, operating holistically through the lens of trauma-informed care, recognizing you as a unique individual.

We are a diverse group of licensed professionals. We are compassionate, knowledgable and honored to work with individuals, couples, and families. We support our clients to discover their own personal grace and agility, their ability to express themselves with integrity and conviction and most importantly to restore their faith in themselves and in their relationships.

The core of my practice is assisting individuals and families to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with success and purpose. To provide guidance on supporting those with mental health symptoms, behavioral and emotional disorders and trauma to be able to thrive. To help identify negative communication patterns and strengthen communication with others. I provide an assortment of parenting ideas to help families live together with a better understanding and appreciation of each other. I draw from Dr. Garry Landreth, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Dr. Fay & Dr. Cline, Love & Logic, and Dr. Phelan with 1-2-3 Magic.

My focus is on helping clients in the healing process. I address issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, marital discord, relationship conflict, trauma, grief, abuse, child conduct issues and a many other emotional, behavioral, social and family issues. I would be honored to work with anyone who is experiencing difficulty in life and help them learn and develop different ways to cope and resolve their emotional pain. One of the unique therapeutic interventions I use is Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). AAT is designed to promote improvement in physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning.

I currently have a waitlist for new clients. I specialize in working with individuals (of all ages) who are neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, OCD, gifted, etc.) and I often work with children and teens who are in foster care or are adopted. I offer individual and family/couple sessions, play therapy, and I often integrate technology, including video and computer games, iPads, and virtual reality (VR), into sessions. To learn more about Gaming Therapy, visit my website!

Are you or your child struggling? Burdened by difficulties? Trapped by anxiety? Stuck in patterns of unhealthy behaviors? Do the days seem more dark than bright or your relationships more of a burden than a joy? Take a deep breath. There is hope. In my office you will find a safe place to grow, heal and change for the better. From toddlers to adults, those who are struggling can come and find the help and support they need.

Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and KS board-approved clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances or losses.

Love and nurturing are the cornerstones of my practice. From my youngest clients to my oldest, I believe that a positive connection in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere encourages and empowers the children, families and adults I work with to heal and grow from the inside out! My focus for the past 13 years of my career has been on supporting children, families and individuals to reconnect with each other and themselves in a way that enhances their sense of peace, joy and fulfillment.

Do you have questions about discipline strategies, supporting your child's social and emotional development, feel concerned about your child's behavior or mood, or just want to be sure you're doing the best you can for your family? Do you ever feel triggered by parenting, overwhelmed, constantly worried or depressed? I work with parents, children, and families to help families thrive. Whether you're looking for mental health counseling for yourself, you and your partner, or your whole family, parenting support and education, or counseling for your child, we can work together to create a customized plan to reach your goals.