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 Verena Fawzy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Verena Fawzy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64111
Do you spend all of your energy focusing on other people's feelings or opinions that it feels impossible to consider your own feelings and needs? Is your goal to make sure everyone else is happy even if it means there's no time or space for you? Maybe the weight of people's expectations is heavy and exhausting, so exhausting it’s impacting your relationships with your partner, family, & yourself. It’s your turn. So many parts of you have been working hard for so long. Together, we can begin working towards experiencing yourself and your relationships as life-giving and authentic instead of draining. You deserve this.
Do you spend all of your energy focusing on other people's feelings or opinions that it feels impossible to consider your own feelings and needs? Is your goal to make sure everyone else is happy even if it means there's no time or space for you? Maybe the weight of people's expectations is heavy and exhausting, so exhausting it’s impacting your relationships with your partner, family, & yourself. It’s your turn. So many parts of you have been working hard for so long. Together, we can begin working towards experiencing yourself and your relationships as life-giving and authentic instead of draining. You deserve this.
(913) 228-3186 View (913) 228-3186
Photo of Amy Kariotis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Amy Kariotis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64111  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be hard, overwhelming and filled with obstacles. You do not need to navigate your journey alone. I am here to walk along side you regardless of the current season. I can help unearth experiences, explore unconscious thoughts and help create a new route to mental health. You are more than just your situation.
Life can be hard, overwhelming and filled with obstacles. You do not need to navigate your journey alone. I am here to walk along side you regardless of the current season. I can help unearth experiences, explore unconscious thoughts and help create a new route to mental health. You are more than just your situation.
(816) 203-2202 View (816) 203-2202
Photo of Heidi Coulter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Heidi Coulter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64108
Are you or your child/teen feeling extra anxious these days? It makes sense given that the last few years have brought challenges that we are all still trying to understand! Whether you're a young person, a parent or a seasoned adult, we all need to sit with someone who deeply cares and listens to our story and can help us work through the complexities of being human- no matter what your age is! I am here for you.
Are you or your child/teen feeling extra anxious these days? It makes sense given that the last few years have brought challenges that we are all still trying to understand! Whether you're a young person, a parent or a seasoned adult, we all need to sit with someone who deeply cares and listens to our story and can help us work through the complexities of being human- no matter what your age is! I am here for you.
(816) 339-4536 View (816) 339-4536
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 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 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 Jane Webb, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Jane Webb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64064
I work with adults, couples, and families who face challenges related to the stress of modern living as well as traumatic experiences, including complex trauma histories. My clients often come to me with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting, and coping with grief and loss.
I work with adults, couples, and families who face challenges related to the stress of modern living as well as traumatic experiences, including complex trauma histories. My clients often come to me with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting, and coping with grief and loss.
(816) 338-7049 View (816) 338-7049
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 Chris Adams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Chris Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC, CSAT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64131
The focus of my work is helping men and women who are struggling with intimacy disorders and compulsive sexual/relationship behaviors (also known as sex, porn or love addiction) that have had negative impacts on a person's relationships, overall emotional well being, health, family, career and other aspects of life. Struggles with sexuality can involve a great deal of pain, guilt and shame. If this is your experience, finding a professional who can provide a safe and non-judgemental space is crucial. In addition, I work with individuals who experience difficulties creating and maintaining intimate connections in relationships.
The focus of my work is helping men and women who are struggling with intimacy disorders and compulsive sexual/relationship behaviors (also known as sex, porn or love addiction) that have had negative impacts on a person's relationships, overall emotional well being, health, family, career and other aspects of life. Struggles with sexuality can involve a great deal of pain, guilt and shame. If this is your experience, finding a professional who can provide a safe and non-judgemental space is crucial. In addition, I work with individuals who experience difficulties creating and maintaining intimate connections in relationships.
(816) 494-1903 View (816) 494-1903
Photo of Jessica Horine, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Jessica Horine
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64110
Suffering, while valuable, doesn’t have to define you or your story. If you’re wanting to move beyond old hurts, or feeling stuck despite desiring change, together we can re-author your story to include healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and being. In addition to my office in Brookside, KCMO, I also offer sessions via Telehealth for those who are unable to leave home or feel it is a better fit.
Suffering, while valuable, doesn’t have to define you or your story. If you’re wanting to move beyond old hurts, or feeling stuck despite desiring change, together we can re-author your story to include healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and being. In addition to my office in Brookside, KCMO, I also offer sessions via Telehealth for those who are unable to leave home or feel it is a better fit.
(816) 306-0228 View (816) 306-0228
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 Christina Wilson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Jackson County, MO
Christina Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Independence, MO 64055
Being alive and creating the types of relationships you want is a gift and, simultaneously, a challenge. If you are trying to reduce resentment after years of misunderstandings, heal after infidelity, renew your relationship as empty nesters, navigate differences in emotional and physical desires, start your marriage on the right track through premarital therapy, and more, I encourage you to set up a first session or consultation call with me.
Being alive and creating the types of relationships you want is a gift and, simultaneously, a challenge. If you are trying to reduce resentment after years of misunderstandings, heal after infidelity, renew your relationship as empty nesters, navigate differences in emotional and physical desires, start your marriage on the right track through premarital therapy, and more, I encourage you to set up a first session or consultation call with me.
(816) 239-3371 View (816) 239-3371
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 Elizabeth Moffitt, Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Elizabeth Moffitt
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64111  (Online Only)
Do you struggle to see yourself as a person with inherent value or struggle with feeling safe due to experiencing sexual trauma and interpersonal harm? Do you have overwhelming anxiety, hopelessness, or loneliness? Do you feel disconnected from your body and feel sexual shame due to growing up in religions that elevated purity culture? Are you looking to heal your relationship to food and body through embodiment? It would be an honor to join you on your journey to connect to your body and increase a compassionate relationship with yourself.
Do you struggle to see yourself as a person with inherent value or struggle with feeling safe due to experiencing sexual trauma and interpersonal harm? Do you have overwhelming anxiety, hopelessness, or loneliness? Do you feel disconnected from your body and feel sexual shame due to growing up in religions that elevated purity culture? Are you looking to heal your relationship to food and body through embodiment? It would be an honor to join you on your journey to connect to your body and increase a compassionate relationship with yourself.
(816) 750-5907 View (816) 750-5907
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 Emily Viet, Licensed Professional Counselor in Jackson County, MO
Emily Viet
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64109
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.
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.
(816) 327-9194 View (816) 327-9194
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 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

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.