Therapists in Lees Summit, MO

“It turns out life isn’t a puzzle that can be solved one time and it’s done. You wake up every day, and you solve it again.” – Chidi Anagonye, The Good Place. Therapy is the most successful when the client and therapist are both working together to create positive change. As your partner in therapy, I provide honest and straightforward communication, an abundance of empathy, and compassionate education. I strive to foster an environment where you feel heard, validated, trusted, and empowered. No one should have to struggle alone, so let's work together to solve life's puzzles.

I am licensed in MO and KS allowing me to offer telehealth sessions throughout both states and in-person sessions for individuals in the KC metro. Available for immediate day and evening appointments. For over 15 years, I have worked with adults to help create long-term change, healing and transformation, instead of temporary band-aids. This is done by building a relationship of safety and acceptance, identifying the root cause of the problem, and provide the tools and techniques that best fit the circumstance.

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.

Do your find yourself struggling with negative emotions such as worry, sadness, or irritability? Do you need help changing your current ways of coping with stress or challenges? Do you struggle with continual feelings of low self-esteem? My goal is to help you feel more centered, capable, and confident as you learn to cope with negative feelings and habits in a more self-supporting manner. I specialize in the areas of depression, anxiety and eating disorders. I also work with individuals who struggle with relationship issues.

Life can be challenging, especially in our fast-paced transient society. I work with adults, teens, and children of all ages. I specialize in Marriage Conflict and Parent-Child conflict with a large portion of my business devoted to adolescents. From Social Anxiety, to ADHD and chronic depression. I am trained in PLAY THERAPY, EMDR, Veteran's Deployment Psychology, CBT and much more. "Friendly, but professional," describes how most clients see me. I love what I do and look forward to working with you.

Overwhelmed? Everyone needs help occasionally through life transitions. Do you have trouble saying no? Do you feel like you do not value yourself enough or have difficulty setting boundaries? Do you have traumatic or abusive experiences (or episodes of panic)? Do you overanalyze things? I have extensive helping experience with these and other issues. I work to get to the root of these issues.

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.

Psychotherapy is for individuals who are motivated to make positive changes in their lives. Some individuals seek out therapy to improve their lives and to help recognize and remove barriers to a healthy lifestyle, relationships, and productivity. While others find that troubling symptoms of anxiety, depression, failed relationships, chronic pain, and loss are too intense to manage on their own. I work with individuals presenting with a range of emotional and psychological needs in a safe and respectful atmosphere. I respect and encourage individuals' motivation to change and help them develop their own internal resources to make lasting positive changes.

Beginning with a new therapist can be anxiety provoking. It's difficult to know who the "right" therapist will be for you. My focus will be getting to know you and what your goals are for therapy. I enjoy teaching coping skills to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms. I also am a Certified Grief Counselor. I understand the grieving process and how to help support you through this transition. Grieving isn't only seen with death but also with loss of marriage, home, job, friendship, etc. My practice is located on a lake where we can practice mindfulness exercises and focus on calming energy.

Now Accepting NEW Clients - I know that reaching out for help can be one of the hardest things any of us do. If you are suffering from the lasting effects of trauma and have been reluctant to seek therapy, I'm here to hold space for you. Our sessions will be collaborative, strategic, and goal-focused. Above all, they will be respectful of your path. I have helped those with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, feeling stuck, feeling unfulfilled, unmotivated, lack self-confidence, difficulty coping with major life changes, triggering from the pandemic, anger, stress, and/or trauma. I am here to hold space for you.

My passion is to provide a empathetic and nonjudgmental space for clients struggling with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, anxiety, body dysmorphia, body image issues, shame, depression, and recovering from past traumas. My approach to healing is through developing a trusting therapeutic alliance. Looking at the social, cultural, familial, learning, and peer influences, as well as the genetic factors, personality traits, and biological factors out of our control is important to understand what brought you here today. Our experiences, both good and bad, shape who we are.

I have a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Avila University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia with training in Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Gottman Method Couple's Therapy & Play Therapy. Beyond my education, I have experience working with children ages 3 and up, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including severe and persistent mental illnesses, addictions, trauma, abuse, neglect, couples and relationship issues, grief and loss, and mood/anxiety disorders. I use a multidisciplinary approach based on the individual and their specific need and therefore use a variety of therapeutic models.

*I am not currently accepting new clients. Sorry!* I am an experienced clinical psychologist who has spent 15 years developing my knowledge and skills for addressing problems that occur in families such as problematic parent-child dynamics. I am also well equipped to address internalizing disorders such as depression, anxiety, suicidality, and PTSD in children, teens, and adults. While I use evidenced-based techniques that are informed by scientific research, I do so in the context of a warm and caring therapeutic relationship. I strive to understand your personal struggles without minimizing what you are going through.