Therapists in Johnson County, MO

Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness? Maybe even in the company of others? Do you question if something is inherently lacking within you, hindering your ability to forge the meaningful connections you yearn for, yet maybe also fear? Are you grappling with uncertainties about how to cultivate intimacy with your partner or how to initiate and nurture fulfilling relationships? Perhaps past hurts have left you hesitant to trust again, leaving you pondering if there's a way to discern who is worthy of your trust and affection. You deserve love, connection, and fulfillment, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Knowing we can be loved exactly as we are gives us the best opportunity to grow into the healthiest people. I believe relational psychotherapy helps to restore hope and connection, even during seasons of immense pain and suffering. Having a place where you can be heard and feel known is essential while working through heavy feelings, emotions, thoughts, and processing difficult experiences. As therapy deepens, individuals I work with gain insight into presenting symptoms and patterns of behavior that initially brought them to see me.

You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or carrying the weight of abuse and trama through life. Issues like these weigh you down as you continue to fulfill your roles at work, at home, and in your relationships. These struggles may be new to you, or you may have carried them alone for years. Perhaps you've even reached out for help but not yet found the right fit, yet you long to break through these challenges and feel like yourself again.

Sometimes life is hard. We experience stress, difficult experiences, wounding in relationships, and trauma along with many other experiences. We carry these with us and they show up in our daily lives - in our thoughts, emotions, physical body, relationships with others, relationship with our self. Maybe you've noticed feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Weighed down. Maybe anxious. Maybe you've noticed patterns in your relationships. Maybe physical discomfort and pain. Tension in your body. Maybe you're curious about what you're noticing. Or maybe you’re curious about who YOU are – the authentic you.

Feeling stuck, chaotic, overwhelmed, purposeless, anxious? Do you ever find yourself doing the same things over and over wishing you would have a different outcome? Do you feel consumed by your thoughts? Do you feel like you and your partner just don’t get each other? Often time asking for help and finding help is overwhelming. You want to make a change, make things better, but you don’t know how. You want to feel like you again - not to just keep surviving, but start living intentionally and passionately. You want the anxiety, the intrusive thoughts and the sleepless nights to end - to be present with yourself and your loved ones.

I've provided therapy services for adults, teens, and children for over 8 years. I've found that the individuals who seem to flourish working with me are those who are particularly committed to understanding themselves and their struggles at a deeper level. I work to help facilitate meaningful insights and this often includes exploration of earlier relationships in a client's life. I believe that each person I work with is a unique and complex individual needing services tailored to them.

There are many presenting issues that might bring you to counseling. Finding a therapist that you can connect with and build an alliance with is important to your success in therapy. I work very hard to create a relationship that will provide you the safety and warmth that you need to explore your experiences; I am very comfortable earning your trust. I use different treatment modalities, depending upon which is appropriate for you personally. Empathy is the primary tool used to give you the safety you need to explore your inner world while we begin to understand your experiences together.

Life presents challenges that are difficult to face alone, and trusting someone to hold your thoughts and emotions as sacred takes courage. I consider it an honor to walk with you, side by side, through your journey of transformation, healing and restoration. I seek to connect the body and the brain to dig deeper, at your pace. Creating and being a safe, inviting, warm and connected space is a passion of mine. It is such a privilege to bear witness to people reclaiming themselves and finding freedom from trauma!

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I have seen both professionally and personally how transformative the therapeutic process can be when seeking change, growth, and healing. I focus on individuals and couples whose concerns may include anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship problems. My goal is to provide clients a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore and process their pain and help them reflect on how their experiences influence their perception of themselves, others, and the world. With empathy, understanding, acceptance, and encouragement, I work with clients on integrating changes so that they have the tools they need to live a happy and healthy life.

We all have strengths to build on and opportunities for growth and change. Counseling can be a helpful tool to work toward whatever goals you have or obstacles you may be facing. I am passionate about working with children and families. My goal is for children to feel confident in who they are and what they can do. I also work to build up families to grow closer and stronger together. I have seen how counseling can be a powerful tool in creating positive change for anyone.

I am a counselor who enjoys helping others to see their potential, work through their struggles, bond families together again, and help individuals reach their personal goals! There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see someone take the courageous step to work through a difficult situation and grow in their self-esteem, self-worth, and identity.

Life has a way of paralyzing us with negative “what if’s?" What if there was a way to become unstuck? What if someone sat in the muck with you? What if you could finally get through a conversation with your child or spouse without yelling or storming off? Those are just a few what-ifs we can explore together. Let's create a space where you feel seen, valued, and understood. Together we can create a space where things feel less lonely, complex, or overwhelming. A space where you feel like you have your child's spark back. Wouldn't you like life to feel a little more possible? A little less lonely? To see smiles instead of tears?

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.