Attachment-based Therapists in Independence, MO

I am a creative and caring professional holding a master in counseling psychology degree and a certificate in child and adolescent counseling. With a holistic and trauma-informed approach, I treat the whole person with special emphasis on the effects of trauma. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, parents, families and adults. With my previous work in the private sector and art community, I am uniquely qualified to assist individuals with creative challenges or career transitions and concerns.

Are you an individual that struggles to explore their emotions and come to terms with past trauma, current fears, and broken relationships? Are you a couple or and family that needs help facilitating the creation of secure lasting bonds and reinforcing any preexisting positive bonds? Are you an individual that needs a non-judgement safe place to process and heal from the stress of life, or wants to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually?

I am a caring bilingual counselor with experience in working with people of all ages, races and genders. My mission, as a therapist, is to be your companion on this therapeutic journey in a comfortable and confidential environment. I am primarily a systems therapist which simply means that I am interested in the total person- background, family, current situation, and hopes for the future.

Would you like to feel more connected and valued in your life and relationships? Together we can enter your world as you see it, including what you believe about yourself, both good and bad. Behaviors and emotions make sense when we see them clearly from the perspective of the person, given their history and the lessons they have learned. I enjoy meeting people who want more from their life and are willing to put in the work to get there. My goal is to provide a trusting environment where you, the client, can feel valued and free to share yourself without the worry of judgement.

I realize that today there is a tremendous amount of stress on individuals. Depression and anxiety abound because of the sheer amount of stress persons are facing. One possible answer to this dilemma is to engage a skilled and seasoned therapist to help. I have faced my own battles with stress, depression, anxiety and childhood trauma. Each of these are extremely painful experiences. I would be privileged to companion you on your healing and growth journey. Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult.

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.

Are you feeling stuck and don’t know what to do or where to go? 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. Everyone has the capacity to live a life full of joy, happiness and wholeness. When circumstances happen in your life that make this difficult to live, you may need some extra help. Together, you and I can find the right path to create the life you are meant to live.

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.

Do you feel alone, and like no one cares? I care about you and your well being. I want to help you win against the struggles you are facing. You are capable of more than you think and I want to bring out the best in you. I am confident that i can help you. I want to be a shoulder to lean on emotionally as well as to cry on. I love working with new people, of all differences, and diversities. Given the chance, I would love to serve and care for you in your time of need.

I love collaboratively working with a variety of clients but specialize in helping couples and individual adults. My hope is to help individuals develop into the person they desire to be rather than waiting for that moment to come to them. I desire to help partners who feel stuck and are willing to find a better alternative. Further, I enjoy working with motivated clients who want to know and share themselves more deeply and are open to taking risks in order to stretch themselves for personal growth.

*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.

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.

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.

We are here to help! We are a group of professionals who approach therapy with compassion and understanding, providing a partnership with you in a safe, caring and supportive place to explore life's difficulties, and learn how to balance any challenge, and improve your relationships. We use an individualized, integrated approach to therapy, promoting wellness in all areas of your life: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. We work with children, teens, young adults, millennials, families, couples and partners.

I enjoy working with all my clients, however, I have specific training working with troubled youth. The world is hard to navigate as adults and can be even harder as a young adult, teen, or adolescent. In my experience depression and anxiety are secondary to the trauma caused by unresolved issues. These issues affect both children and adults. This can often express in opposition to rules, defiance, self harming, alcohol and drug use. I can help. I understand what its like to feel misunderstood in a world filled with overwhelming decisions.

I am passionate about helping people with their mental health and navigating life's uncertainties. There is much in this world we struggle with; depression, anxiety, fears, and shame. You are not alone! Are you wrestling with self-esteem and doubt? Are you ready for change? You deserve someone to truly listen to what you have to say. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be heard and understood. I want to help you succeed and find happiness, offering support and compassion as you find your way. There is hope for something better!

Visiting with a counselor can be a life changing experience. I work with clients from early childhood through all phases of adulthood. Everyone has a unique story, and I value the personal experiences, hopes, and dreams of all my clients. Partnering during a trusting counseling relationship can be one of the best ways to reach your goals and create lasting, positive change in your life. The relationship between counselor and client can create a vessel or space in which we can unpack and sort through your concerns with care, compassion, and confidentiality.

Are you looking for a fun, caring, effective counselor your child or family? I focus on working with children and teens 10+. I can help navigate through sadness, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, self harm, and other issues. I am also trained in the Gottman method to provide couples counseling.

Do you ever feel like it is you against the world? Or wonder if there is anyone “in your corner”? This world can throw all sorts of difficulties our way and sometimes it is helpful to know you are not alone in the fight. Those difficulties may present with symptoms of depression, anxiety, fear, worthlessness, addiction, trauma, negative thinking, or loss. I understand first-hand how tempting it is to give up the fight, but I also know the joyful victory that comes with healing and freedom. I am holding hope for you even if, right now, you are not able to hope for yourself. I believe there is abundant life for YOU!