Photo of Addiction Services LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Addiction Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64134
My experiences working with individuals facing addiction, mental health, and crises have been eye-opening and transformative. I have witnessed firsthand the pain, despair, and feelings of hopelessness that individuals in crisis experience. However, I have also seen the incredible resilience and strength that individuals possess when provided with the right support and resources. It is this resilience that fuels my determination to make a difference and offer a helping hand to those in need. I am deeply committed to the principles of empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental support in my work.
My experiences working with individuals facing addiction, mental health, and crises have been eye-opening and transformative. I have witnessed firsthand the pain, despair, and feelings of hopelessness that individuals in crisis experience. However, I have also seen the incredible resilience and strength that individuals possess when provided with the right support and resources. It is this resilience that fuels my determination to make a difference and offer a helping hand to those in need. I am deeply committed to the principles of empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental support in my work.
(816) 408-3929 x816 View (816) 408-3929 x816
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

Online Therapists

Photo of Cathy Herrick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Cathy Herrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64118  (Online Only)
Telehealth available! --- I understand the stresses of marital issues, depression and anxiety. These traumatic events have left their scars. All this and more are robbing you of your quality of life and the very joy you deserve. If you want to address these issues quickly and effectively, you and I need to get together. If you are willing to get to work then I will consider it a privilege to help you on this journey. Contact me now 816-694-1437 or cathy@heartlandtherapykc.com
Telehealth available! --- I understand the stresses of marital issues, depression and anxiety. These traumatic events have left their scars. All this and more are robbing you of your quality of life and the very joy you deserve. If you want to address these issues quickly and effectively, you and I need to get together. If you are willing to get to work then I will consider it a privilege to help you on this journey. Contact me now 816-694-1437 or cathy@heartlandtherapykc.com
(816) 694-1437 View (816) 694-1437

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.