Photo of Jill Hamilton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Jill Hamilton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64111
Maybe you're feeling stuck. Maybe you are seeking answers but not able to see through the darkness. Maybe peace feels impossible. Maybe you're questioning who you are or going through a life transition. Maybe it's your relationship or parenting or past hurts. This life experience is filled with highs, lows, and in-between moments. At times, we all want someone to join in our journey and walk alongside us so we can feel supported. I am here to meet you where you are in your life right now. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe that all of life is relational, whether that is within or outside with family, friends, society.
Maybe you're feeling stuck. Maybe you are seeking answers but not able to see through the darkness. Maybe peace feels impossible. Maybe you're questioning who you are or going through a life transition. Maybe it's your relationship or parenting or past hurts. This life experience is filled with highs, lows, and in-between moments. At times, we all want someone to join in our journey and walk alongside us so we can feel supported. I am here to meet you where you are in your life right now. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe that all of life is relational, whether that is within or outside with family, friends, society.
(816) 839-9683 View (816) 839-9683
Photo of Jenny K Havemeier, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Jenny K Havemeier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114
Families face a multitude of stressors today which can pull relationships apart. Helping families, couples, and teenagers/adolescents identify and cope with these stressors is my passion. If you are facing issues as a family or couple, or have concerns with your teenager/adolescent, my approach to therapy may be what you are looking for. I use a strength based approach to therapy, focusing on solutions to improve communication and reduce conflict and stress in your relationships. Having a safe, relaxed place for clients to work on issues is important to me.
Families face a multitude of stressors today which can pull relationships apart. Helping families, couples, and teenagers/adolescents identify and cope with these stressors is my passion. If you are facing issues as a family or couple, or have concerns with your teenager/adolescent, my approach to therapy may be what you are looking for. I use a strength based approach to therapy, focusing on solutions to improve communication and reduce conflict and stress in your relationships. Having a safe, relaxed place for clients to work on issues is important to me.
(816) 448-8140 View (816) 448-8140
Photo of Katie Ballard, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Katie Ballard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64111
Is a lot of your self talk focused on self loathing, shame, or perceived failings in your life? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious more often than not? Taking the time and effort to look at what is working and what isn’t working in your own life is a brave step toward feeling better in your own skin. Often our work together will look a lot like taking steps (some minuscule, some monumental, all equally as needed and pivotal) toward yourself and the ways you can become more fully you. Through that greater understanding (and ultimate acceptance) of self, you can find a quieter, kinder inner voice.
Is a lot of your self talk focused on self loathing, shame, or perceived failings in your life? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or anxious more often than not? Taking the time and effort to look at what is working and what isn’t working in your own life is a brave step toward feeling better in your own skin. Often our work together will look a lot like taking steps (some minuscule, some monumental, all equally as needed and pivotal) toward yourself and the ways you can become more fully you. Through that greater understanding (and ultimate acceptance) of self, you can find a quieter, kinder inner voice.
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Photo of Alicia Lawton, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, MO
Alicia Lawton
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64108
My approach to working with individuals and families is rooted in Attachment Theory with a focus on fostering healthy relationships, increasing emotional well-being and moving past the "stuckness" of traumatic experiences. I am dedicated to employing creative and interactive techniques to help clients of all ages learn to identify and express their emotions. I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Theraplay and Play Therapy alongside traditional talk therapy. I enjoy using EMDR in combination with expressive techniques to address presenting symptoms.
My approach to working with individuals and families is rooted in Attachment Theory with a focus on fostering healthy relationships, increasing emotional well-being and moving past the "stuckness" of traumatic experiences. I am dedicated to employing creative and interactive techniques to help clients of all ages learn to identify and express their emotions. I utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Theraplay and Play Therapy alongside traditional talk therapy. I enjoy using EMDR in combination with expressive techniques to address presenting symptoms.
(816) 306-1066 View (816) 306-1066
Photo of Jason Phelps, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, MO
Jason Phelps
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64102
Sometimes we have experiences that make us feel different, out of place, foreign and even unwelcome. Life can bring challenges, pain, and experiences that do not always make sense to us. It's easy to become trapped in those moments, in need of help. I believe in being someone who will listen with unconditional positive regard, without judgement, to you and your story. I seek to help you see your situation from a different vantage point in order to discover something new about yourself and your world.
Sometimes we have experiences that make us feel different, out of place, foreign and even unwelcome. Life can bring challenges, pain, and experiences that do not always make sense to us. It's easy to become trapped in those moments, in need of help. I believe in being someone who will listen with unconditional positive regard, without judgement, to you and your story. I seek to help you see your situation from a different vantage point in order to discover something new about yourself and your world.
(816) 239-3457 View (816) 239-3457
Photo of Cara Gruhala, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Cara Gruhala
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64064
Feeling stuck? Not feeling like yourself? Do the stressors of daily life seem bigger to you than you believe they feel to others? I work with clients from early childhood through all phases of adulthood. I specialize in trauma, perinatal concerns (infertility, pregnancy, postpartum mood struggles, traumatic birth, and loss), as well as neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, and more), gender/sexual expansiveness, and anxiety and depression.
Feeling stuck? Not feeling like yourself? Do the stressors of daily life seem bigger to you than you believe they feel to others? I work with clients from early childhood through all phases of adulthood. I specialize in trauma, perinatal concerns (infertility, pregnancy, postpartum mood struggles, traumatic birth, and loss), as well as neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, and more), gender/sexual expansiveness, and anxiety and depression.
(816) 290-7475 View (816) 290-7475
Photo of Olufemi (Femi) Sharp, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Olufemi (Femi) Sharp
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114
Spring time is here a time for clearing and shedding away the old narratives that keep us stuck in the past. Are you ready to release and let go of the trauma, anxiety, unworthiness, depression, loneliness? Trauma lives in the body you are worthy of healing, renewal and restoration in the mind, body and spirit. I will inspire you to feel it and heal it and carry the shift toward becoming fully present and alive in self-love. You will learn the ancient transformative power of emboded presence, peace and practice. I will teach you the powerful science-based practices for increasing the neural pathways of happiness. Spring forward.
Spring time is here a time for clearing and shedding away the old narratives that keep us stuck in the past. Are you ready to release and let go of the trauma, anxiety, unworthiness, depression, loneliness? Trauma lives in the body you are worthy of healing, renewal and restoration in the mind, body and spirit. I will inspire you to feel it and heal it and carry the shift toward becoming fully present and alive in self-love. You will learn the ancient transformative power of emboded presence, peace and practice. I will teach you the powerful science-based practices for increasing the neural pathways of happiness. Spring forward.
(816) 839-9476 View (816) 839-9476
Photo of Whitney Wilson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Whitney Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64110
My approach is grounded in meeting folks where they are in the moment, and not asking them to feel, look, or act like someone they’re not. I believe that every person has worth and value because of their identity, and I love helping other people tap into their worth. I believe that all humans have the innate capacity to not only overcome difficult experiences, but to heal and thrive, and when we overcome difficult experiences or emotions, we are stronger and more resilient. Lasting change requires work, but when we put in that work we harness the power to define our experience rather than letting our experience define us.
My approach is grounded in meeting folks where they are in the moment, and not asking them to feel, look, or act like someone they’re not. I believe that every person has worth and value because of their identity, and I love helping other people tap into their worth. I believe that all humans have the innate capacity to not only overcome difficult experiences, but to heal and thrive, and when we overcome difficult experiences or emotions, we are stronger and more resilient. Lasting change requires work, but when we put in that work we harness the power to define our experience rather than letting our experience define us.
(417) 815-6332 View (417) 815-6332
Photo of Ada Gillespie Kelly, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Ada Gillespie Kelly
Licensed Professional Counselor, RN, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64113
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in personal growth, relationships, emotional wellbeing and spirituality. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of clients who want to increase their awareness about their emotional, spiritual, and physical health. I enjoy guiding clients through changing habits, attitudes and beliefs and healing emotional obstacles that prevent them from feeling and being their best selves to support life-long well-being.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in personal growth, relationships, emotional wellbeing and spirituality. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of clients who want to increase their awareness about their emotional, spiritual, and physical health. I enjoy guiding clients through changing habits, attitudes and beliefs and healing emotional obstacles that prevent them from feeling and being their best selves to support life-long well-being.
(816) 203-1954 View (816) 203-1954
Photo of Sierra Cook, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, MO
Sierra Cook
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64108
Hello, I'm Sierra, a therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges and find their path to well-being. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University. I believe that therapy should be a readily accessible resource for everyone. Taking that first step to seek counseling can be daunting, yet it's often a vital catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
Hello, I'm Sierra, a therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges and find their path to well-being. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University. I believe that therapy should be a readily accessible resource for everyone. Taking that first step to seek counseling can be daunting, yet it's often a vital catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
(816) 239-2793 View (816) 239-2793
Photo of Mimi Bachman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Mimi Bachman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64108
Taking a look at your life and realizing that you aren't happy, even though it seems like you "should" be, is tough. Even tougher is if you're a parent and feeling overwhelmed with this new identity, wondering how to be the best parent you can be, and also be able to find space for yourself at the same time. It isn't always easy to know which step will take you toward a more meaningful life. If you're reading this, you are taking a step to get the support you deserve so you can create a life you love and be the parent you hope to be. Your healing matters, and your story matters.
Taking a look at your life and realizing that you aren't happy, even though it seems like you "should" be, is tough. Even tougher is if you're a parent and feeling overwhelmed with this new identity, wondering how to be the best parent you can be, and also be able to find space for yourself at the same time. It isn't always easy to know which step will take you toward a more meaningful life. If you're reading this, you are taking a step to get the support you deserve so you can create a life you love and be the parent you hope to be. Your healing matters, and your story matters.
(816) 208-8415 View (816) 208-8415
Photo of Adam Lynch, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Adam Lynch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64112
We are not meant to live life alone, but rather deeply involved in relationships. Some of these relationships are highly successful, while others have come with great loss, significant struggle or just the every day difficulty of learning to live and enjoy life with another person. I believe in the value of working through personal problems in the context of building stronger relationships. I will help you work through this on a personal level or with whomever you are needing to have a restored relationship with.
We are not meant to live life alone, but rather deeply involved in relationships. Some of these relationships are highly successful, while others have come with great loss, significant struggle or just the every day difficulty of learning to live and enjoy life with another person. I believe in the value of working through personal problems in the context of building stronger relationships. I will help you work through this on a personal level or with whomever you are needing to have a restored relationship with.
(816) 760-2389 View (816) 760-2389
Photo of Natashia Symes, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Natashia Symes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64082  (Online Only)
I’m committed to helping clients develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. I work with adult women(18yrs+)and adolescent girls(15yrs+)in individual therapy on issues relating to relationships, life transitions, co-dependency, self-awareness/worth, grief, anxiety, stress, chronic illness, pre-pregnancy/pregnancy, parenting, mid-life and therapy as self-care. I also offer parenting sessions focused on education and guidance in problem solving issues with children of all ages. I offer telehealth sessions across the state of Missouri.
I’m committed to helping clients develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. I work with adult women(18yrs+)and adolescent girls(15yrs+)in individual therapy on issues relating to relationships, life transitions, co-dependency, self-awareness/worth, grief, anxiety, stress, chronic illness, pre-pregnancy/pregnancy, parenting, mid-life and therapy as self-care. I also offer parenting sessions focused on education and guidance in problem solving issues with children of all ages. I offer telehealth sessions across the state of Missouri.
(816) 307-0782 View (816) 307-0782
Photo of Counseling Services, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Counseling Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64064  (Online Only)
Thank you for visiting. This is the first step to becoming a more fulfilled person. I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Missouri (LCSW) with over 25 years experience working with children, families, individuals and couples in multiple settings including in-patient, in-home and private practice. I also have five years experience as an employee assistance program clinician and brief problem focused therapy.
Thank you for visiting. This is the first step to becoming a more fulfilled person. I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Missouri (LCSW) with over 25 years experience working with children, families, individuals and couples in multiple settings including in-patient, in-home and private practice. I also have five years experience as an employee assistance program clinician and brief problem focused therapy.
(816) 479-5046 View (816) 479-5046
Photo of Megan L Bartlow, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Megan L Bartlow
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64110
It can be overwhelmingly scary to know where to begin in your healing journey. Wounds can build upon one another until it all feels like a tangled mess. Childhood and family wounds can dictate the lens in which you see the world. Looking through that lens can be complex and difficult to navigate alone. Whether the symptoms you are experiencing are affecting your current circumstances, creating self-worth issues or relationship difficulties, I love to meet you where you are at, and help you develop goals that lead to a fulfilling life.
It can be overwhelmingly scary to know where to begin in your healing journey. Wounds can build upon one another until it all feels like a tangled mess. Childhood and family wounds can dictate the lens in which you see the world. Looking through that lens can be complex and difficult to navigate alone. Whether the symptoms you are experiencing are affecting your current circumstances, creating self-worth issues or relationship difficulties, I love to meet you where you are at, and help you develop goals that lead to a fulfilling life.
(816) 209-1289 View (816) 209-1289
Photo of Stacey Haselhorst, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Stacey Haselhorst
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64064
Are you or a loved one feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Experiencing the impact of trauma? Having relationship problems? Struggling overall? Whether your goal is to overcome challenges or to grow in a more satisfying way, my goal is provide you with emotional support and give you strategies necessary to bring the change you wish to see in your life. I work with people who experience anxiety, depression, behavior issues, trauma, grief & loss, divorce, abandonment, and attachment & adjustment challenges.
Are you or a loved one feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Experiencing the impact of trauma? Having relationship problems? Struggling overall? Whether your goal is to overcome challenges or to grow in a more satisfying way, my goal is provide you with emotional support and give you strategies necessary to bring the change you wish to see in your life. I work with people who experience anxiety, depression, behavior issues, trauma, grief & loss, divorce, abandonment, and attachment & adjustment challenges.
(816) 330-2788 View (816) 330-2788
Photo of Brian P Heydon, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Brian P Heydon
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, CIT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114
Finding the right counselor may be one of the most important decisions you can make in seeking a better life. As my client, you will be provided a therapeutic relationship that is non-threatening, challenging, empowering, and ultimately life changing. You will find that your pain, which is actually healing trying to happen, will be lessened and most likely alleviated, your feelings and experiences are valid, and that you can make positive changes to improve your life and relationships. I'm a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and specialize in relationships - between couples, parents and children, friends - any human relationship
Finding the right counselor may be one of the most important decisions you can make in seeking a better life. As my client, you will be provided a therapeutic relationship that is non-threatening, challenging, empowering, and ultimately life changing. You will find that your pain, which is actually healing trying to happen, will be lessened and most likely alleviated, your feelings and experiences are valid, and that you can make positive changes to improve your life and relationships. I'm a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and specialize in relationships - between couples, parents and children, friends - any human relationship
(816) 659-3196 View (816) 659-3196
Photo of Emily H Rosenbaum, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Emily H Rosenbaum
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64113
Are you feeling powerless as life continues whirling around? Perhaps you are stuck in an area of your life? Maybe you are struggling to understand yourself or your brain. I understand the desire to feel in control of your emotions, yourself, and your life. My clients are teens and adults who are looking to heal and grow into the best version of themselves. I am committed to creating a strong therapeutic connection with my clients. Allowing you to feel safe and secure while sharing about life's struggles and guiding you through the process of increasing self-awareness, self-compassion, and learning the tools to help you cope.
Are you feeling powerless as life continues whirling around? Perhaps you are stuck in an area of your life? Maybe you are struggling to understand yourself or your brain. I understand the desire to feel in control of your emotions, yourself, and your life. My clients are teens and adults who are looking to heal and grow into the best version of themselves. I am committed to creating a strong therapeutic connection with my clients. Allowing you to feel safe and secure while sharing about life's struggles and guiding you through the process of increasing self-awareness, self-compassion, and learning the tools to help you cope.
(816) 330-2065 View (816) 330-2065
Photo of Thomas Michael Humphrey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Thomas Michael Humphrey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64131
There are few joys greater than interpersonal freedom. Living unabashedly and authentically as you deserve and desire. This is our true heritage as humans. When we are barraged daily to find this freedom externally by our culture, (perhaps friends and family) and then osmotically transfer it inward we are left deeply lacking. It never works. The cost of freedom and to a higher level of awareness about ourselves is called work. W-O-R-K! The digging deep kind of work. Working to let go of anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, or whatever repeatedly binds us to a negative narrative from the past that no longer serves the present.
There are few joys greater than interpersonal freedom. Living unabashedly and authentically as you deserve and desire. This is our true heritage as humans. When we are barraged daily to find this freedom externally by our culture, (perhaps friends and family) and then osmotically transfer it inward we are left deeply lacking. It never works. The cost of freedom and to a higher level of awareness about ourselves is called work. W-O-R-K! The digging deep kind of work. Working to let go of anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, or whatever repeatedly binds us to a negative narrative from the past that no longer serves the present.
(816) 323-4697 View (816) 323-4697
Photo of Becca Higgins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Becca Higgins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64108
Accepting new clients! I'm so glad you are here. The hardest part of getting help is reaching out to make that first appointment and you are one step closer. Childhood mental health issues have been rising for awhile now and we saw an even bigger increase the past few years. Not only are our children struggling, it is hard work learning to parent our children with mental health needs. Navigating depression, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, etc is not meant to be done alone. I believe in working alongside you, your child, and family as we tackle issues together.
Accepting new clients! I'm so glad you are here. The hardest part of getting help is reaching out to make that first appointment and you are one step closer. Childhood mental health issues have been rising for awhile now and we saw an even bigger increase the past few years. Not only are our children struggling, it is hard work learning to parent our children with mental health needs. Navigating depression, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, etc is not meant to be done alone. I believe in working alongside you, your child, and family as we tackle issues together.
(816) 296-9057 View (816) 296-9057

See more therapy options for Jackson County

Compassion Focused Therapists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.