Parenting Therapists in Gladstone, MO
Or we find that our relationships or parenting can seem more challenging, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or lost.
My counseling style is warm and interactive, balancing humor and tasks in a way to create a safe space for you to explore, heal and grow. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client-centered, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches, meaning that my focus is on you and your needs.
Or we find that our relationships or parenting can seem more challenging, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or lost.
My counseling style is warm and interactive, balancing humor and tasks in a way to create a safe space for you to explore, heal and grow. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client-centered, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches, meaning that my focus is on you and your needs.
Those who work with me are usually having relationship difficulties, trauma complications, or have pain from losses and want internal peace & secure attachments to others (partners, children, parents, friends).
Specialized in couples of all types, adult individuals, and families, I am a Certified Emotion-Focused Therapist, Fair Play Facilitator, & Level I AEDP clinician. I hold a Certificate in Interpersonal Neurobiology from Portland State U., and I also provide EMDR, sand tray therapy, & I have a Psychiatric Service Dog, "Rontu," who tags along!
Those who work with me are usually having relationship difficulties, trauma complications, or have pain from losses and want internal peace & secure attachments to others (partners, children, parents, friends).
Specialized in couples of all types, adult individuals, and families, I am a Certified Emotion-Focused Therapist, Fair Play Facilitator, & Level I AEDP clinician. I hold a Certificate in Interpersonal Neurobiology from Portland State U., and I also provide EMDR, sand tray therapy, & I have a Psychiatric Service Dog, "Rontu," who tags along!
Deena Watkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Gladstone, MO 64118
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling with anxiety or facing challenges in adjusting to life changes? I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate these struggles with empathy and practical solutions. With over 20 years of experience in counseling, my approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to empower you in identifying core issues and developing effective coping strategies. With a background in education and a deep understanding of child and adolescent development, I am particularly adept at working with young people as well as adults.
Are you struggling with anxiety or facing challenges in adjusting to life changes? I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate these struggles with empathy and practical solutions. With over 20 years of experience in counseling, my approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to empower you in identifying core issues and developing effective coping strategies. With a background in education and a deep understanding of child and adolescent development, I am particularly adept at working with young people as well as adults.
On the outside you look like you are put together and can do it all, but inside you feel like a imposter and will never be good enough. You constantly come up with a list of all the things that you need to be better at, do better at. You fall last on your list because what happens if everyone else needs are not met? What happens if you are not perceived as having it together. You're exhausted, broken, and sooo OVER IT. That is where I would like to say to you, "you deserve to be loved and cared for too".
On the outside you look like you are put together and can do it all, but inside you feel like a imposter and will never be good enough. You constantly come up with a list of all the things that you need to be better at, do better at. You fall last on your list because what happens if everyone else needs are not met? What happens if you are not perceived as having it together. You're exhausted, broken, and sooo OVER IT. That is where I would like to say to you, "you deserve to be loved and cared for too".
Your first step to being in control of your happiness and life, is by being vulnerable enough to seek treatment. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Gladstone MO. I have found joy in helping individuals find purpose in life, by tackling their anxiety, depression or trauma history. I believe every client has strengths that can assist them in their healing journey. I am a compassionate listener with healthy communication skills. Therapy can be emotionally difficult and it’s important to have a therapist who will provide support and encouragement while you become mentally restored.
Your first step to being in control of your happiness and life, is by being vulnerable enough to seek treatment. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Gladstone MO. I have found joy in helping individuals find purpose in life, by tackling their anxiety, depression or trauma history. I believe every client has strengths that can assist them in their healing journey. I am a compassionate listener with healthy communication skills. Therapy can be emotionally difficult and it’s important to have a therapist who will provide support and encouragement while you become mentally restored.
I'm Barbara L. Mason-Palmer; I've treated clients of all different ages and backgrounds ranging from 6 to older adults. My areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Teen Issues, ADHD, Grief and Loss, Marriage or relationship issues and Family concerns. More commonly my focus in treatment involves that of Cognitive Behavioral, Psycho-Educational, and Psychoanalytic Therapy.
I'm Barbara L. Mason-Palmer; I've treated clients of all different ages and backgrounds ranging from 6 to older adults. My areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Teen Issues, ADHD, Grief and Loss, Marriage or relationship issues and Family concerns. More commonly my focus in treatment involves that of Cognitive Behavioral, Psycho-Educational, and Psychoanalytic Therapy.
At Dipoto Counseling Group, our Licensed Professional Counselors and Clinical Social Workers provide compassionate care for individuals, couples, and families throughout Missouri. With 19 counselors across three office locations, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our community. We also offer reduced-rate counseling through our Provisionally Licensed Counselors and Interns, who work under the supervision of Marc Dipoto, LPC, and meet weekly for case consultation and professional guidance.
At Dipoto Counseling Group, our Licensed Professional Counselors and Clinical Social Workers provide compassionate care for individuals, couples, and families throughout Missouri. With 19 counselors across three office locations, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our community. We also offer reduced-rate counseling through our Provisionally Licensed Counselors and Interns, who work under the supervision of Marc Dipoto, LPC, and meet weekly for case consultation and professional guidance.
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.
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1997 and can help you with reducing your stress and improving your life. I work with young children(age 3 and up), teens, and adults. I specialize in couple/family therapy, as well as in play therapy. Are you asking yourself questions like "Will I ever feel happy again?" or "Can my spouse/significant other and I really work through our problems?" or "Will my child ever follow the rules without a hassle?". If you are, I can tell you change is possible and I can help you with that change.
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1997 and can help you with reducing your stress and improving your life. I work with young children(age 3 and up), teens, and adults. I specialize in couple/family therapy, as well as in play therapy. Are you asking yourself questions like "Will I ever feel happy again?" or "Can my spouse/significant other and I really work through our problems?" or "Will my child ever follow the rules without a hassle?". If you are, I can tell you change is possible and I can help you with that change.
I am very interested in working with parents about talking to their own children about healthy sexuality.
I am currently using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help reduce emotionally and increase mindfulness, in an effort to decrease the chaos that might exist in your life.
Also, I am using Gottman methods in couples' therapy and beginning to work on my certification in this valuable type of therapy.
I am very interested in working with parents about talking to their own children about healthy sexuality.
I am currently using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help reduce emotionally and increase mindfulness, in an effort to decrease the chaos that might exist in your life.
Also, I am using Gottman methods in couples' therapy and beginning to work on my certification in this valuable type of therapy.
I focus on attachment, relationships with partners, parents, siblings, & children.
You wonder how things got this way, you used to feel connected with your partner. You feel alone, confused, frustrated, misunderstood, rejected etc. You reach out, you are trying…it turns to an argument or distancing. It often seems like a blame game with defensive reactions. How do you turn this around and feel safe with your partner again, or other loved ones? You are concerned about the outcome, yet it’s not getting better. Something needs to change but you’re unsure how to approach things.
I focus on attachment, relationships with partners, parents, siblings, & children.
You wonder how things got this way, you used to feel connected with your partner. You feel alone, confused, frustrated, misunderstood, rejected etc. You reach out, you are trying…it turns to an argument or distancing. It often seems like a blame game with defensive reactions. How do you turn this around and feel safe with your partner again, or other loved ones? You are concerned about the outcome, yet it’s not getting better. Something needs to change but you’re unsure how to approach things.
Currently accepting new clients, telehealth only. Using warmth and positive regard, I will establish an environment conducive to trust and willingness to lean into change. My approach will balance listening alongside gentle and transparent challenging of unproductive patterns of thinking and acting. There is powerful scientific evidence that therapy works. I can teach you better ways to relate to friends and family, approach conflict, identify and prioritize steps toward your life goals, or change patterns that keep you stuck. Cheers to you for taking your first step toward the changes you seek.
Currently accepting new clients, telehealth only. Using warmth and positive regard, I will establish an environment conducive to trust and willingness to lean into change. My approach will balance listening alongside gentle and transparent challenging of unproductive patterns of thinking and acting. There is powerful scientific evidence that therapy works. I can teach you better ways to relate to friends and family, approach conflict, identify and prioritize steps toward your life goals, or change patterns that keep you stuck. Cheers to you for taking your first step toward the changes you seek.
My scope of practice includes trauma recovery, reducing anxiety and depression, navigating life transitions, managing caregiver stress and parenting challenges, supporting individuals living with chronic illness or pain, and helping couples heal relational issues, including infidelity recovery.
It would be my honor to walk alongside you as you find your way toward healing. The good and hopeful news is that every person holds within them the capacity for self-leadership and growth. Therapy simply helps guide and support that process.
My scope of practice includes trauma recovery, reducing anxiety and depression, navigating life transitions, managing caregiver stress and parenting challenges, supporting individuals living with chronic illness or pain, and helping couples heal relational issues, including infidelity recovery.
It would be my honor to walk alongside you as you find your way toward healing. The good and hopeful news is that every person holds within them the capacity for self-leadership and growth. Therapy simply helps guide and support that process.
Everyone in the world has had negative experiences that have touched their lives. Perhaps your one of those people who feel stuck? Perhaps you have held a secret that has slowly eaten away at your life? Working through trauma and problems is part of life but sometimes we just get stuck. Setting goals and moving on leaving part of the trauma behind is often our goal. Therapy can help you work through your goals and ideals for a better quality of life. Thriving in life is a much better outcome then surviving day to day.
Everyone in the world has had negative experiences that have touched their lives. Perhaps your one of those people who feel stuck? Perhaps you have held a secret that has slowly eaten away at your life? Working through trauma and problems is part of life but sometimes we just get stuck. Setting goals and moving on leaving part of the trauma behind is often our goal. Therapy can help you work through your goals and ideals for a better quality of life. Thriving in life is a much better outcome then surviving day to day.
As a licensed clinical psychologist (my pronouns are she/her), I have over 25 years of experience in guiding, directing, challenging, and supporting people of all ages as they encounter difficulties in life. I conduct psychotherapy with adults, adolescents, and pre-teens. My approach to psychotherapy varies with the problems presented and the needs of each client. I blend research-based treatment approaches with a respect for each client's unique background and expectations to create a compassionate, individualized, and collaborative process for improvement and healing.
As a licensed clinical psychologist (my pronouns are she/her), I have over 25 years of experience in guiding, directing, challenging, and supporting people of all ages as they encounter difficulties in life. I conduct psychotherapy with adults, adolescents, and pre-teens. My approach to psychotherapy varies with the problems presented and the needs of each client. I blend research-based treatment approaches with a respect for each client's unique background and expectations to create a compassionate, individualized, and collaborative process for improvement and healing.
I work with adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that aren’t working anymore. Many come in dealing with overthinking, burnout, major life transitions, grief, or relationship stress. They’re often used to pushing through on their own but are ready for real change. Together, we identify what’s keeping you stuck and build practical, sustainable ways to move forward with more clarity, confidence, and control. At the same time, I believe therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time. When it fits, I use humor to help make difficult conversations feel more approachable and human.
I work with adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that aren’t working anymore. Many come in dealing with overthinking, burnout, major life transitions, grief, or relationship stress. They’re often used to pushing through on their own but are ready for real change. Together, we identify what’s keeping you stuck and build practical, sustainable ways to move forward with more clarity, confidence, and control. At the same time, I believe therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time. When it fits, I use humor to help make difficult conversations feel more approachable and human.
Aloha! Fun fact that I grew up in Hawaii and try to embody the Aloha spirit as much as possible. I often support clients who feel overwhelmed, distracted, emotionally reactive, or stuck in patterns that strain their relationships. Whether it’s managing racing thoughts, navigating attention and focus difficulties, or improving communication and connection with loved ones. I love to see my clients blossom into their authentic selves.
Outside of the therapy space, I’m a mother of two boys, I enjoy practicing yoga, spending time with my family, and other activities that help me stay grounded and balanced.
Aloha! Fun fact that I grew up in Hawaii and try to embody the Aloha spirit as much as possible. I often support clients who feel overwhelmed, distracted, emotionally reactive, or stuck in patterns that strain their relationships. Whether it’s managing racing thoughts, navigating attention and focus difficulties, or improving communication and connection with loved ones. I love to see my clients blossom into their authentic selves.
Outside of the therapy space, I’m a mother of two boys, I enjoy practicing yoga, spending time with my family, and other activities that help me stay grounded and balanced.
Something happened to you — maybe a long time ago, maybe more recently — and part of you has been carrying it ever since. You might feel stuck in patterns you can't explain, struggle to trust people even when you want to, or find yourself pulled between wanting connection and bracing for hurt. You might not even be sure what you'd call it. But you know something needs to change.
That's exactly the kind of pain I'm here to help with.
Something happened to you — maybe a long time ago, maybe more recently — and part of you has been carrying it ever since. You might feel stuck in patterns you can't explain, struggle to trust people even when you want to, or find yourself pulled between wanting connection and bracing for hurt. You might not even be sure what you'd call it. But you know something needs to change.
That's exactly the kind of pain I'm here to help with.
The people I see often feel worried, confused, sad, angry, or struggle with similar feelings. Many have lost a loved one or are in a troubled relationship. Others struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, abuse, or trauma. Still others seek meaning and purpose. Regardless of the problem or mix of problems, the goal is to have a richer, more satisfying life. As well as listening with care, my style is to talk openly, sharing my thoughts and feelings about you and your situation. I bring a lifetime of success and failure, joys and sorrows, to my work.
The people I see often feel worried, confused, sad, angry, or struggle with similar feelings. Many have lost a loved one or are in a troubled relationship. Others struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, abuse, or trauma. Still others seek meaning and purpose. Regardless of the problem or mix of problems, the goal is to have a richer, more satisfying life. As well as listening with care, my style is to talk openly, sharing my thoughts and feelings about you and your situation. I bring a lifetime of success and failure, joys and sorrows, to my work.
I specialize in working with middle and high school students (including gifted), college students/grads, prenatal/postpartum mental health, women, parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and helping professionals.
Hi there, my name is Emma, and I am here to support you. Life can be messy and challenging for all of us. If you’re healing from the past, trying to minimize stress in the present, looking toward the future, or simply trying to make sense of it all, I am here for you. In our work together, it is my hope that you’ll find a sense of peace, clarity, and balance in your day to day. I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space to process everything on your plate. Let's work together to find ways for you to feel more relaxed, connected, and attuned to your world.
I specialize in working with middle and high school students (including gifted), college students/grads, prenatal/postpartum mental health, women, parents, teachers, healthcare providers, and helping professionals.
Hi there, my name is Emma, and I am here to support you. Life can be messy and challenging for all of us. If you’re healing from the past, trying to minimize stress in the present, looking toward the future, or simply trying to make sense of it all, I am here for you. In our work together, it is my hope that you’ll find a sense of peace, clarity, and balance in your day to day. I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space to process everything on your plate. Let's work together to find ways for you to feel more relaxed, connected, and attuned to your world.
See more therapy options for Gladstone
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Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.

