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 Grace Griffin-Spain, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Grace Griffin-Spain
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64106
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.
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.
(816) 355-6143 View (816) 355-6143
Photo of Jon Hindson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Jon Hindson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64109
The path to wellness and freedom involves choosing to start or continue a journey of healing and restoration. My desire is to help individuals, couples, and families along their own unique paths of transformation, change, and growth. I believe that emotional and relational wellness are an important piece of a holistic picture of health. I am a proponent of therapy because I have personally experienced the benefits and the sense of empowerment that comes from the process.
The path to wellness and freedom involves choosing to start or continue a journey of healing and restoration. My desire is to help individuals, couples, and families along their own unique paths of transformation, change, and growth. I believe that emotional and relational wellness are an important piece of a holistic picture of health. I am a proponent of therapy because I have personally experienced the benefits and the sense of empowerment that comes from the process.
(816) 203-1440 View (816) 203-1440
Photo of Erin Bell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Erin Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64063
I see a variety of clients in various life situations and complexities, and I view the space you share with me an honor and privilege. It’s a big step in committing to understanding what's happening for you and reaching out for help. I respect your desire for understanding yourself and the situation you're in, for a deeper level of self-reflection, and a desire for implementing change. You're already doing hard work right now searching for the right fit, and in valuing personal growth and investing in yourself by reaching out. I look forward to connecting with you. I am committed to walking alongside of you every step of the way!
I see a variety of clients in various life situations and complexities, and I view the space you share with me an honor and privilege. It’s a big step in committing to understanding what's happening for you and reaching out for help. I respect your desire for understanding yourself and the situation you're in, for a deeper level of self-reflection, and a desire for implementing change. You're already doing hard work right now searching for the right fit, and in valuing personal growth and investing in yourself by reaching out. I look forward to connecting with you. I am committed to walking alongside of you every step of the way!
(816) 209-1522 View (816) 209-1522
Photo of Shelley Clayton Duality Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Shelley Clayton Duality Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64063
I am licensed in Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas with 20 years within the social work, mental health, and the medical fields. I have experience in helping clients with a myriad of mental health issues. I particularly enjoy working with those that are dealing with narcissism and the fall out it can have on our mental health and relationships. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I pride myself in looking at people as a whole as well as their parts. You can expect empathy, honesty, humor, and most likely random movie quotes, TikTok's, or song lyrics during our sessions.
I am licensed in Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas with 20 years within the social work, mental health, and the medical fields. I have experience in helping clients with a myriad of mental health issues. I particularly enjoy working with those that are dealing with narcissism and the fall out it can have on our mental health and relationships. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I pride myself in looking at people as a whole as well as their parts. You can expect empathy, honesty, humor, and most likely random movie quotes, TikTok's, or song lyrics during our sessions.
(816) 494-2065 View (816) 494-2065
Photo of Linda Simmons, Psychologist in Jackson County, MO
Linda Simmons
Psychologist, Psy D
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64111  (Online Only)
Dr. Linda Simmons is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adults achieve healing and greater life fulfillment. Dr. Simmons specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, pain management, relationship issues, faith issues, and major life transitions. She sees psychotherapy as a collaborative process with her clients, providing education and expert guidance, and encouraging clients to reach their goals. Psychotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all process and she will change her approach per client's needs.
Dr. Linda Simmons is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adults achieve healing and greater life fulfillment. Dr. Simmons specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, pain management, relationship issues, faith issues, and major life transitions. She sees psychotherapy as a collaborative process with her clients, providing education and expert guidance, and encouraging clients to reach their goals. Psychotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all process and she will change her approach per client's needs.
(816) 320-6166 View (816) 320-6166
Photo of Michele Deeter Accepting New Clients, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Michele Deeter Accepting New Clients
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64063
I enjoy working with older and younger adults of diverse populations and gender identities dealing with anxiety, depression and trauma. I focus on a person-centered approach to guide each unique client to find the proper tools they need to enrich their lives and help each client become more empowered. You can feel better and you can overcome trauma. I can show you how to harness the power of your own psyche to live a happier, healthier life.
I enjoy working with older and younger adults of diverse populations and gender identities dealing with anxiety, depression and trauma. I focus on a person-centered approach to guide each unique client to find the proper tools they need to enrich their lives and help each client become more empowered. You can feel better and you can overcome trauma. I can show you how to harness the power of your own psyche to live a happier, healthier life.
(816) 208-8899 View (816) 208-8899
Photo of Deanna L Rand, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Deanna L Rand
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Independence, MO 64055
Are you looking to make changes in your life but not sure where to begin? I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for exploring the obstacles that are getting in the way of creating the happy and satisfying life you want. Often, we unknowingly continue in the same path, expecting something different not realizing that real changes starts within us and that understanding ourselves better is a first step for creating growth, healing and happiness. Therapy is hard work but a worthy work and it is a privilege to be a part of your journey and helping you discover, heal and grow beyond your current circumstances.
Are you looking to make changes in your life but not sure where to begin? I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for exploring the obstacles that are getting in the way of creating the happy and satisfying life you want. Often, we unknowingly continue in the same path, expecting something different not realizing that real changes starts within us and that understanding ourselves better is a first step for creating growth, healing and happiness. Therapy is hard work but a worthy work and it is a privilege to be a part of your journey and helping you discover, heal and grow beyond your current circumstances.
(816) 203-3511 View (816) 203-3511
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 Jennifer (Jenni) D Liles, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Jennifer (Jenni) D Liles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Independence, MO 64050  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Jennifer (Jenni) Liles is the owner of Responsive Mental Health Services LLC. I believe that all of us can live fulfilling lives that contains moments of joy in between and around the difficult times. Therapy should allow us to experience ourselves as valuable human beings with something to offer. I would like to help you achieve that. I have extensive experiencing helping people through trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety, and out the other side. I work from a queer-friendly and neurodivergent perspective with people aged 12 and up.
Jennifer (Jenni) Liles is the owner of Responsive Mental Health Services LLC. I believe that all of us can live fulfilling lives that contains moments of joy in between and around the difficult times. Therapy should allow us to experience ourselves as valuable human beings with something to offer. I would like to help you achieve that. I have extensive experiencing helping people through trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety, and out the other side. I work from a queer-friendly and neurodivergent perspective with people aged 12 and up.
(816) 448-8183 View (816) 448-8183
Photo of Vanessa Wray Knight, Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Vanessa Wray Knight
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64105
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.
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.
(816) 608-8444 View (816) 608-8444
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
Photo of Dan Smith, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, MO
Dan Smith
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, S-MFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64108
Don’t continue doing life closed off and disconnected. Open yourself up to connection and find the peace you’ve been needing. I want to help, but more importantly, I want to point you back to you. You don’t deserve to keep living in the dark. There is hope for all the parts of you.
Don’t continue doing life closed off and disconnected. Open yourself up to connection and find the peace you’ve been needing. I want to help, but more importantly, I want to point you back to you. You don’t deserve to keep living in the dark. There is hope for all the parts of you.
(816) 597-4868 View (816) 597-4868
Photo of Katie Wheeler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Katie Wheeler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64063
Learning how to heal can be difficult, especially if you have tried to do so all on your own! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in therapy for all types of trauma, relationship dynamics, acceptance and commitment, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, emotion management, anxiety, depression, and adapting new ways of thinking. My goal is to be genuine, and to give you the space to heal in the ways that you find most helpful. I am here to start where you are, empowering you to become the person that you have always wanted to be, no matter the barriers.
Learning how to heal can be difficult, especially if you have tried to do so all on your own! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in therapy for all types of trauma, relationship dynamics, acceptance and commitment, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, emotion management, anxiety, depression, and adapting new ways of thinking. My goal is to be genuine, and to give you the space to heal in the ways that you find most helpful. I am here to start where you are, empowering you to become the person that you have always wanted to be, no matter the barriers.
(816) 750-5828 View (816) 750-5828
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 Abby Lindsay, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Abby Lindsay
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64108
Life can be hard sometimes and full of stress, but my goal is to help provide a sense of inner peace and increase in happiness. I am passionate about the body and mind connection and identifying ways to improve overall happiness to live your best life. Life is meant to be lived and to feel empowered. Finding your own inner strength through improvement in mood, cognitions, and overall well-being. Having a safe space to talk and improve self growth and awareness is critical to improvement in daily functioning. My favorite saying is happiness is good for the soul and finding out that you are capable of that is my motivation!
Life can be hard sometimes and full of stress, but my goal is to help provide a sense of inner peace and increase in happiness. I am passionate about the body and mind connection and identifying ways to improve overall happiness to live your best life. Life is meant to be lived and to feel empowered. Finding your own inner strength through improvement in mood, cognitions, and overall well-being. Having a safe space to talk and improve self growth and awareness is critical to improvement in daily functioning. My favorite saying is happiness is good for the soul and finding out that you are capable of that is my motivation!
(816) 312-5923 View (816) 312-5923
Photo of Whitney Gudgel- Cicada Song Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Whitney Gudgel- Cicada Song Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW, LMAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64105
Welcome to Cicada Song counseling! As a lifelong mental health advocate and a therapist for over a decade I have developed three convictions central to my practice (1) Your relationship with your therapist should be collaborative and authentic. (2) Therapy is not just about talk. It’s about progress towards quality of life (3) You already contain everything you need to heal. I aim to provide space where you can build security within yourself to move through pain. We will identify and build upon your existing strengths and coping skills. We will use curiosity to reflect on challenging memories and develop new perspectives.
Welcome to Cicada Song counseling! As a lifelong mental health advocate and a therapist for over a decade I have developed three convictions central to my practice (1) Your relationship with your therapist should be collaborative and authentic. (2) Therapy is not just about talk. It’s about progress towards quality of life (3) You already contain everything you need to heal. I aim to provide space where you can build security within yourself to move through pain. We will identify and build upon your existing strengths and coping skills. We will use curiosity to reflect on challenging memories and develop new perspectives.
(816) 578-8362 View (816) 578-8362
Photo of Carla Burke PhD, Psychologist in Jackson County, MO
Carla Burke PhD
Psychologist, MBA, PhD
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114
It is important to find the right therapist after you have taken the step to get help. My work with clients is collaborative and I strive to connect in a meaningful way with people who work with me. Give me a call and let’s talk, I answer and return calls personally.
It is important to find the right therapist after you have taken the step to get help. My work with clients is collaborative and I strive to connect in a meaningful way with people who work with me. Give me a call and let’s talk, I answer and return calls personally.
(816) 208-8706 View (816) 208-8706
Photo of Kira Harkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Kira Harkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64131
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed? For over a decade, I have specialized in helping clients with navigating transitions and cultivating hope.  My intention is to create an environment of compassion, connection, and healing, which allows you to grow and thrive. I have training and a passion for working with Perinatal Mood Disorders and specialize in EMDR for perinatal trauma. As an Approved Consultant, I also provide consultation to EMDR therapists completing foundational hours or seeking certification.
Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed? For over a decade, I have specialized in helping clients with navigating transitions and cultivating hope.  My intention is to create an environment of compassion, connection, and healing, which allows you to grow and thrive. I have training and a passion for working with Perinatal Mood Disorders and specialize in EMDR for perinatal trauma. As an Approved Consultant, I also provide consultation to EMDR therapists completing foundational hours or seeking certification.
(816) 227-6469 View (816) 227-6469
Photo of Journee To Healing, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Journee To Healing
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grandview, MO 64030  (Online Only)
Life can be so complicated. The ups, downs, and all arounds can sometimes be debilitating, confusing and all out frustrating. Life’s turbulence can also make you feel you’ve lost control and perhaps has left you struggling to navigate through obstacles. I would love to partner with you to help you realize the strength and resilience you have within to overcome and to manage. I teach vital tools to use in everyday life such as stress and anger management, coping skills, and the recognization of thought patterns that may affect your behaviors and emotions.
Life can be so complicated. The ups, downs, and all arounds can sometimes be debilitating, confusing and all out frustrating. Life’s turbulence can also make you feel you’ve lost control and perhaps has left you struggling to navigate through obstacles. I would love to partner with you to help you realize the strength and resilience you have within to overcome and to manage. I teach vital tools to use in everyday life such as stress and anger management, coping skills, and the recognization of thought patterns that may affect your behaviors and emotions.
(816) 542-3763 View (816) 542-3763

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.