Photo of Laura Bonk, Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Laura Bonk
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64113
Are you living with anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment and relationship challenges, or major life changes? Maybe you're feeling stuck in a storm of negativity and pain with no ray of hope in sight. Life can be extremely hard AND you are not alone. Connecting with a well-trained therapist is one of the best investments that you can make in yourself. I will help you explore life patterns, heal wounds from the past, and teach skills needed to build the life and relationships that you are seeking. Counseling is a healthy way to uncover the past, embrace the present, and pursue your best path forward. Regain control of your life!
Are you living with anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment and relationship challenges, or major life changes? Maybe you're feeling stuck in a storm of negativity and pain with no ray of hope in sight. Life can be extremely hard AND you are not alone. Connecting with a well-trained therapist is one of the best investments that you can make in yourself. I will help you explore life patterns, heal wounds from the past, and teach skills needed to build the life and relationships that you are seeking. Counseling is a healthy way to uncover the past, embrace the present, and pursue your best path forward. Regain control of your life!
(913) 399-2187 View (913) 399-2187
Photo of Jennifer Reid, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Jennifer Reid
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, RD, LD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64064
Are you feeling overwhelmed, down, or anxious and don't know what to do or where to go? Do you feel very alone and nobody else understands or has experienced what you have/or are experiencing? Are you having trouble sleeping due to looping thoughts running through your mind? Have all your old ways of coping stopped working? We all need support and guidance along our journey. Sometimes we need more than what our family and friends can provide. When circumstances happen making life more difficult, you may need some extra help. Together, you and I can find the right path and tools to get you back to feeling more like yourself.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, down, or anxious and don't know what to do or where to go? Do you feel very alone and nobody else understands or has experienced what you have/or are experiencing? Are you having trouble sleeping due to looping thoughts running through your mind? Have all your old ways of coping stopped working? We all need support and guidance along our journey. Sometimes we need more than what our family and friends can provide. When circumstances happen making life more difficult, you may need some extra help. Together, you and I can find the right path and tools to get you back to feeling more like yourself.
(816) 875-0868 View (816) 875-0868
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 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 Callie Streich, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, MO
Callie Streich
Pre-Licensed Professional, MAEd, MS, PLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64108
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to see if I could be a good fit for your journey. I am passionate about supporting clients who are seeking to process through their experiences and seek new insight into their lives. I work with young children through young adult and adult. My nonjudgmental approach comes from my belief that every person has worth even when you might struggle to see that in yourself. My role is to be here to help empower you along your path.
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to see if I could be a good fit for your journey. I am passionate about supporting clients who are seeking to process through their experiences and seek new insight into their lives. I work with young children through young adult and adult. My nonjudgmental approach comes from my belief that every person has worth even when you might struggle to see that in yourself. My role is to be here to help empower you along your path.
(816) 484-3886 View (816) 484-3886
Photo of Melissa Mazur, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Melissa Mazur
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, AS, CATP
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64131
Everyone's response to trauma is different. With years of experience working with survivors of abuse and neglect, my approach is personalized to align with your therapeutic goals. Working together, my purpose is to offer a safe and trusting environment to establish a variety of tools to enhance empowerment, self-awareness, reduce symptoms of emotional disturbances, and stress management skills.
Everyone's response to trauma is different. With years of experience working with survivors of abuse and neglect, my approach is personalized to align with your therapeutic goals. Working together, my purpose is to offer a safe and trusting environment to establish a variety of tools to enhance empowerment, self-awareness, reduce symptoms of emotional disturbances, and stress management skills.
(816) 323-8009 View (816) 323-8009
Photo of Dr. Sathya Baanu Jeevanba, Psychologist in Jackson County, MO
Dr. Sathya Baanu Jeevanba
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64110  (Online Only)
I have a special interest in working with clients who are looking for therapy that addresses the influence of sociocultural and systemic factors in their presenting concerns. I find that this approach helps clients better understand the nature of their symptoms that may manifest as traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss. I've also helped clients explore their authentic selves in a deeper way whether it's around gender identity, sexual orientation, racial, and/or ethnic identities. You can expect that space will be made for us to uncover parts of you that need room to exist and wants to be tended to.
I have a special interest in working with clients who are looking for therapy that addresses the influence of sociocultural and systemic factors in their presenting concerns. I find that this approach helps clients better understand the nature of their symptoms that may manifest as traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss. I've also helped clients explore their authentic selves in a deeper way whether it's around gender identity, sexual orientation, racial, and/or ethnic identities. You can expect that space will be made for us to uncover parts of you that need room to exist and wants to be tended to.
(816) 852-3267 View (816) 852-3267
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 Sharree Jensen, Pre-Licensed Professional in Jackson County, MO
Sharree Jensen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS-MFT, PLMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Independence, MO 64050
Let's be real. You are here looking for a therapist because something in you knows it is time for change. Whether that change is just for you or within your relationships... whether it is old stuff you "should be over," new stuff that is just hitting, or another combination of life's challenges... I'm here, ready to walk through it with you. You are here, and that is the first courageous step. Let's take the next step together by scheduling a free consultation call to see if we are a good fit. Please note: In order to provide you with personalized & flexible therapy, I do not accept insurance. I do accept HSA, Debit, & Credit Cards.
Let's be real. You are here looking for a therapist because something in you knows it is time for change. Whether that change is just for you or within your relationships... whether it is old stuff you "should be over," new stuff that is just hitting, or another combination of life's challenges... I'm here, ready to walk through it with you. You are here, and that is the first courageous step. Let's take the next step together by scheduling a free consultation call to see if we are a good fit. Please note: In order to provide you with personalized & flexible therapy, I do not accept insurance. I do accept HSA, Debit, & Credit Cards.
(816) 925-9541 View (816) 925-9541
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 Justin Grotheer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Justin Grotheer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PLMFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64111  (Online Only)
Hello, and welcome! I’m glad you’ve found your way to this space. Life is hard sometimes! We can all use a little help. I work to help you feel less overwhelm—and more of the joy and belonging you are searching for. I help you find a way out of distress or feeling stuck, and back to your best self. We’ll figure out the map to your best self together, and then start moving toward an increased sense of joy, strength, calm, and freedom. If that is something you’d like for yourself, contact me for a consultation. It is my honor to accompany so many wonderful people on the journey to wellness!
Hello, and welcome! I’m glad you’ve found your way to this space. Life is hard sometimes! We can all use a little help. I work to help you feel less overwhelm—and more of the joy and belonging you are searching for. I help you find a way out of distress or feeling stuck, and back to your best self. We’ll figure out the map to your best self together, and then start moving toward an increased sense of joy, strength, calm, and freedom. If that is something you’d like for yourself, contact me for a consultation. It is my honor to accompany so many wonderful people on the journey to wellness!
(816) 290-6829 View (816) 290-6829
Photo of Sammy Stayton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Sammy Stayton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64109
Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or in need of support? Do you have past experiences that you want to understand and heal from? Maybe you just need a space for yourself where you can explore and grow? I bring compassion and warmth to our sessions, helping you connect to your own resilience and make sense of your unique story. My framework is intersectional, LGBTQIA affirming, anti-racist, and feminist. I work collaboratively with you to support your growth and help you thrive.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or in need of support? Do you have past experiences that you want to understand and heal from? Maybe you just need a space for yourself where you can explore and grow? I bring compassion and warmth to our sessions, helping you connect to your own resilience and make sense of your unique story. My framework is intersectional, LGBTQIA affirming, anti-racist, and feminist. I work collaboratively with you to support your growth and help you thrive.
(816) 722-3265 View (816) 722-3265
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 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 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 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 Adriana Albors, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Adriana Albors
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PLMFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64109
Making the choice to begin therapy is not a sign of weakness; choosing to deal with stressors is actually a sign of incredible strength. Therapy is for everyone. Life is crazy and often hard, and we are not pre-programmed with all the answers. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unclear on how to make things better. I know that you and your relationships are worth the time and investment. My areas of specialization include working with couples to communicate more respectfully and authentically and helping adult individuals navigate life transitions.
Making the choice to begin therapy is not a sign of weakness; choosing to deal with stressors is actually a sign of incredible strength. Therapy is for everyone. Life is crazy and often hard, and we are not pre-programmed with all the answers. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unclear on how to make things better. I know that you and your relationships are worth the time and investment. My areas of specialization include working with couples to communicate more respectfully and authentically and helping adult individuals navigate life transitions.
(816) 239-3516 View (816) 239-3516
Photo of Liz Davis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Liz Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64111
Waitlist for new clients
It's hard to find a therapist. Especially when you're not feeling your best. I applaud you for getting this far. Now it's time to invest in your relationship with yourself. I know what it’s like to feel alone with your problems. Maybe you have no one to talk to. Or maybe you feel bad making your friends, your family, or your partner listen to your problems again. I know what that feels like, and I’m here. I’m ready to listen. It’s time to let go of anxiety, sadness, frustration, anger, and shame. I want to process these things with you. You don’t have to go through this alone anymore.
It's hard to find a therapist. Especially when you're not feeling your best. I applaud you for getting this far. Now it's time to invest in your relationship with yourself. I know what it’s like to feel alone with your problems. Maybe you have no one to talk to. Or maybe you feel bad making your friends, your family, or your partner listen to your problems again. I know what that feels like, and I’m here. I’m ready to listen. It’s time to let go of anxiety, sadness, frustration, anger, and shame. I want to process these things with you. You don’t have to go through this alone anymore.
(816) 339-8475 View (816) 339-8475
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
Photo of Katie Kirkenmeier, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Katie Kirkenmeier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, PMH-C, ATR
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64063
Waitlist for new clients
I believe every person has the right to heal and experience personal growth. We all experience hardships and stress in life that can be overwhelming. I am here to help you understand you are not alone and deserve to be heard . My intention is to provide a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed space to support you on your path to healing and to enhance your relationship to self. There is no concern that is too small that you should have to endure by yourself. I believe each individual is unique and deserves a therapeutic experience that is tailored to their healing journey.
I believe every person has the right to heal and experience personal growth. We all experience hardships and stress in life that can be overwhelming. I am here to help you understand you are not alone and deserve to be heard . My intention is to provide a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed space to support you on your path to healing and to enhance your relationship to self. There is no concern that is too small that you should have to endure by yourself. I believe each individual is unique and deserves a therapeutic experience that is tailored to their healing journey.
(816) 430-2807 View (816) 430-2807

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.