Therapists in Independence, MO

He sido una sicoterapeuta bilingue por 12 años enfocada en tratar trauma y evaluaciones sicológicas para emigración. Les proveo un ambiente confidencial y muy cómodo a mis participantes. Es un gran privilegio guiarlos en su andar de sanidad y paz. Me especializo en sicología infantil, EMDR, y hipnosis clínica. Tengo vasta experiencia ayudando a parejas, procesos de separación, trauma, niñas/niños, y a la comunidad LGBTQ+. I am a caring bilingual counselor with experience in working with people of races and genders. My mission is to be your companion on this therapeutic journey in a comfortable and confidential environment.

Trauma sucks! It's had you on an emotional roller coaster for a while, and lately there are more downs than ups. You try your best, but you can't stop spiraling. Your emotions feel so unstable and you feel depressed even when things are fine. Plus there's intense anger, intrusive thoughts, seemingly random anxiety, fallouts with friends and loved ones, and/or a host of chaotic relationships. You want to feel balanced, in control of your emotions. You want to have healthy relationships that bring more joy than stress. You want to enjoy your life instead of just survive it, but you don't know how. That's why you're here.

Life, laughter, and love are important to living life wholeheartedly, but psychological pain can get in the way. Abuse in the context of a close relationship or a family can create the most pervasive and persistent psych-ache, and may be passed from generation to generation. Whether the source of pain is past trauma, worry about the future, or even current jobs or relationships, I am here to help! I often see clients whose trauma began in domestic abuse in the forms of emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or financial abuses.

Hi. How are you doing? Do you seem to be experiencing more bad days than good? Have you suffered a trauma, or significant loss in your life? Do you experience anger, anxiety, or depression that interferes in your daily activities? Are you just not happy with how things are going?

If you are looking for a down-to-earth counselor to help you reach your goals, then that's me! I am passionate about helping people with their mental health and navigating life's uncertainties. There is much in this world we struggle with, and you deserve someone who listens and cares about your story. I want to help you succeed and find happiness, offering support and compassion as you find your way. If you are ready for a positive change, I am here to help.

Hello! My name is Emma Kirk. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwest Baptist University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults with a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, and relational problems. I offer a collaborative approach that draws from several different counseling perspectives based on what your specific needs are. I aim to help you use your strengths and build skills that will help you on your journey of growth and positive change.

The decision to see a counselor may be intimidating or overwhelming. Sometimes we need to seek help outside family and friends. It is not easy to walk through the door and talk to a complete stranger. I want you to know, I have been where you are right now, and I hope you will reach out. I work with individuals who struggle with abandonment/trauma/abuse. I also work with couples who struggle with communication/infidelity/trust/conflict resolution. Investing in yourself and your relationships will be the most important investment of your lifetime.

The relationship you and your child has with their counselor is the true measure of how helpful the counseling experience will be. I value developing a warm, positive, supportive and empathic environment for your family to overcome any challenge that you are facing. In our experience together, you will find healing and growth, and recognize your own strengths, and how they help you and your child work toward building a more positive and rewarding future. Both in your individual lives, and collectively within the family.

I firmly believe that everyone has within them what they need to overcome their problems, achieve their goals, and improve their lives. Sometimes, we just need some support to help us figure out who we are and what is important to us to bring about change. I strive to be a warm and caring therapist who will meet you with authenticity and “realness.” I work to strike a balance between curiosity, compassion, and challenge to establish a safe space for you to honestly explore yourself and your struggles, sit with unpleasant feelings, and develop trust in your ability to make decisions consistent with your values.

I have a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Avila University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia with training in Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Gottman Method Couple's Therapy & Play Therapy. Beyond my education, I have experience working with children ages 3 and up, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including severe and persistent mental illnesses, addictions, trauma, abuse, neglect, couples and relationship issues, grief and loss, and mood/anxiety disorders. I use a multidisciplinary approach based on the individual and their specific need and therefore use a variety of therapeutic models.

You deserve to feel empowered and therapy is a great way to further explore all the possibilities your life holds for you. Therapy is a journey. My role as therapist is to provide you with safe, nurturing guidance as you seek personal growth and inner peace. I believe that everyone is capable of change and has the power to choose differently, thus increasing self-fulfillment and joy in their life. I offer a warm, caring atmosphere for you to explore your wants and needs, increase awareness of barriers to meeting those wants and needs, and feel supported in making changes.

I’m the person you want to see when you are ready to be challenged, encouraged, and guided through your life story. I’m someone who understands why we behave the way we do, and that these behaviors are learned and adaptive. There is nothing wrong with you, and I am here to challenge your thoughts against this. I genuinely enjoy working with clients who have found themselves in a place they didn't think they would be. I will walk you through what is happening in your life, not around it. I help my clients learn who they are, navigate their own needs and desires, and learn how to walk through life with compassion for themselves.