Therapists in Independence, MO

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.

With a genuine passion for empowering adolescents and teens, I am dedicated to providing a compassionate and understanding space where teenagers can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I specialize in helping teens navigate the complexities of adolescence, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and relationship dynamics.

He sido una sicoterapeuta bilingue por 12 años enfocada en tratar trauma y evaluaciones sicológicas para emigración. Les proveo un ambiente confidencial y muy cómodo a mis participantes. Es un gran privilegio guiarlos en su andar de sanidad y paz. Me especializo en sicología infantil, EMDR, y hipnosis clínica. Tengo vasta experiencia ayudando a parejas, procesos de separación, trauma, niñas/niños, y a la comunidad LGBTQ+. I am a caring bilingual counselor with experience in working with people of races and genders. My mission is to be your companion on this therapeutic journey in a comfortable and confidential environment.

Life, laughter, and love are important to living life wholeheartedly, but psychological pain can get in the way. Abuse in the context of a close relationship or a family can create the most pervasive and persistent psych-ache, and may be passed from generation to generation. Whether the source of pain is past trauma, worry about the future, or even current jobs or relationships, I am here to help! I often see clients whose trauma began in domestic abuse in the forms of emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or financial abuses.

I am a collaborative therapist who wants to work alongside my clients to ensure their goals for therapy are being met. I believe people have the greatest capacity for change when they have a space to express emotional vulnerability while feeling safe and heard. One of my primary goals is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can be vulnerable as they navigate the complexities of their relationships.

Trauma sucks! It's had you on an emotional roller coaster for a while, and lately there are more downs than ups. You try your best, but you can't stop spiraling. Your emotions feel so unstable and you feel depressed even when things are fine. Plus there's intense anger, intrusive thoughts, seemingly random anxiety, fallouts with friends and loved ones, and/or a host of chaotic relationships. You want to feel balanced, in control of your emotions. You want to have healthy relationships that bring more joy than stress. You want to enjoy your life instead of just survive it, but you don't know how. That's why you're here.

Hi. How are you doing? Do you seem to be experiencing more bad days than good? Have you suffered a trauma, or significant loss in your life? Do you experience anger, anxiety, or depression that interferes in your daily activities? Are you just not happy with how things are going?

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.

If you are looking for a down-to-earth counselor to help you reach your goals, then that's me! I am passionate about helping people with their mental health and navigating life's uncertainties. There is much in this world we struggle with, and you deserve someone who listens and cares about your story. I want to help you succeed and find happiness, offering support and compassion as you find your way. If you are ready for a positive change, I am here to help.

Welcome! Sometimes we find ourselves in "survival mode," where we are doing what we can to get by. And with so many stressors, there's no time to reflect on how we are really doing. Thoughts and emotions can sneak up at random, often leaving one confused. Many of my clients have experienced multiple traumas and choose to process these memories. Some prefer to focus on getting coping skills, tailored to each individual, to relieve symptoms. Trauma has a lasting impact on our lives which makes adjusting to a new life more difficult, I'm here to help.

The decision to see a counselor may be intimidating or overwhelming. Sometimes we need to seek help outside family and friends. It is not easy to walk through the door and talk to a complete stranger. I want you to know, I have been where you are right now, and I hope you will reach out. I work with individuals who struggle with abandonment/trauma/abuse. I also work with couples who struggle with communication/infidelity/trust/conflict resolution. Investing in yourself and your relationships will be the most important investment of your lifetime.

Hello! My name is Emma Kirk. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwest Baptist University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults with a variety of issues, such as anxiety, depression, and relational problems. I offer a collaborative approach that draws from several different counseling perspectives based on what your specific needs are. I aim to help you use your strengths and build skills that will help you on your journey of growth and positive change.

The relationship you and your child has with their counselor is the true measure of how helpful the counseling experience will be. I value developing a warm, positive, supportive and empathic environment for your family to overcome any challenge that you are facing. In our experience together, you will find healing and growth, and recognize your own strengths, and how they help you and your child work toward building a more positive and rewarding future. Both in your individual lives, and collectively within the family.

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.

After spending two years mentoring young women at a college ministry, I gained a new found passion for helping people through the most difficult times in their lives. As a result I pursued and earned a Master’s in Counseling from Midwestern Seminary. I have had experience counseling in community mental health, school settings, as well as homeless shelters. Moreover, I have a Bachelor’s in Education and a thorough understand of the school system having spent two years as a school based therapist.

*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.

You deserve to feel empowered and therapy is a great way to further explore all the possibilities your life holds for you. Therapy is a journey. My role as therapist is to provide you with safe, nurturing guidance as you seek personal growth and inner peace. I believe that everyone is capable of change and has the power to choose differently, thus increasing self-fulfillment and joy in their life. I offer a warm, caring atmosphere for you to explore your wants and needs, increase awareness of barriers to meeting those wants and needs, and feel supported in making changes.

I’m the person you want to see when you are ready to be challenged, encouraged, and guided through your life story. I’m someone who understands why we behave the way we do, and that these behaviors are learned and adaptive. There is nothing wrong with you, and I am here to challenge your thoughts against this. I genuinely enjoy working with clients who have found themselves in a place they didn't think they would be. I will walk you through what is happening in your life, not around it. I help my clients learn who they are, navigate their own needs and desires, and learn how to walk through life with compassion for themselves.