Teletherapy for Independence, MO

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.

Wouldn't it be nice to feel in control of your emotions, to not have so many ups and downs from day to day? Your inner voice is downright disrespectful and has nothing but constant criticism. It tells you you're not good enough and that it's all your fault. Your anxiety is high, your motivation is low, and your emotions are all over the place. Some nights you can hardly get to sleep. This can't be life. There must be something wrong with me, you think. If this sounds familiar, we should talk.

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.

Getting to the root of your pain, learning to deal with it, building upon your strengths then learning to act versus react to people and events is the goal of our approach. We have a long history of working with diverse populations, who have developed varied problems: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Marital, Parenting, Occupational, grief and more Our approach is to work with your strengths; help you to develop new views and skills and then organize them into a plan that works in obtaining your goals. As a psychotherapy group practice, we can see just about anyone no matter what you're dealing with.

I consider what my client and their environment can bring to their process of healing. I believe that I am an active participant, encouraging the process of change alongside my client. My goal is to offer support and strategies so that my clients can decide for themselves what is appropriate for them. I strive to help my clients gain perspective and a deeper understanding of their lives so they are empowered to make meaningful breakthroughs for themselves. In addition to individual therapy, I enjoy working with couples helping them to relate better with one another or to cope with family issues in healthier ways.

I believe that all humans have a resilient spirit which allows them to overcome any obstacle before them. Sometimes we forget who we are or perhaps we never fully knew. Maybe we felt we were never able to be our authentic selves. It's possible we think there's something wrong with us or we're broken. Or is it that we struggle to manage mental health symptoms and we become emotionally deregulated and filled with shame? Maybe you think that you have gone to far and there is no hope for you. You are not alone. I have helped countless people with stories like these and many more. What ever it is that is holding you back, I can help.

The angry, argumentative, and underperforming child is often seen by others as the product of lax parenting. This unfortunate characterization has had a great impact on the way our children are viewed by schools, employers, and society in general. The fact is parents often exhaust various recommended "fixes" and desperately want things to be normal. I have over 25 years of experience working with children and families. I understand the daily struggles parents routinely face. I know how school performance, relationships, and behavior are impacted when children struggle. I understand the frustrations associated with a child who "acts out" and underperforms.

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.

Are you struggling with substance use and want to work on abstinence or moderation? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger issues, bipolar? I work with people who want to have a healthier, happier life and want to learn the skills to do this. We will work together to come up with what is best for you. It is time to make the move and get the help that you deserve for the life that you want.

Deborah Babbitt, MSW, LCSW Deborah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri. After earning her MSW at University of Missouri, Kansas City in 2010 as a Jewish Heritage-Hartford Fellow, she worked with adults, older adults and families in various settings. Work in community, health care and acute psychiatric care settings have provided Deborah with a broad perspective on the issues of aging and supporting aging parents, coping with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss.

Jennifer (Jenni) Liles is the owner of Responsive Mental Health Services LLC. I believe that each and every one of us has the capacity to live life that is fulfilling, that contains moments of joy in between and around the difficult times, and that allows us to experience ourselves as valuable human beings with something to offer. I would like to help you achieve that capacity. I have extensive experiencing helping people through trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety, and out the other side. If you are not yet ready to go to therapy, you can go to www.oomm.com for videos, audio clips and articles that can help. Ages 8 and up.

Are you in a romantic relationship that is feeling heavy instead of fun & fulfilling? If so, let's chat. Relationships aren't simple & easy, but they hopefully bring positive value to your life, so let's figure out what you and your partner are contributing to staying in the same stuck place that might be getting in the way. If you are tired of lack of closeness, constant fighting, broken trust, or disagreements about what the right way to put the fork in the dishwasher is, then you might benefit from finding other ways of interacting by determining what type of relationship you want to build and what type of partner you hope to be.

I have over 25 years of clinical experience providing counseling therapy to adult individuals, children, adolescents, families, and couples to address their emotional and behavioral struggles. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, goal directed, reality based treatment approach, integrating family dynamics as needed, to help clients effectively resolve or learn to cope with their struggles. I am available to coordinate with schools and other treatment providers. My office at Truman & Main St on the Independence Square offers a convenient, unassuming, confidential, and relaxing environment.

Are you looking to make changes in your life but not sure where to begin? I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for exploring the obstacles that are getting in the way of creating the happy and satisfying life you want. Often, we unknowingly continue in the same path, expecting something different not realizing that real changes starts within us and that understanding ourselves better is a first step for creating growth, healing and happiness. Therapy is hard work but a worthy work and it is a privilege to be a part of your journey and helping you discover, heal and grow beyond your current circumstances.

I think we are all wired for and worthy of love and connection. Whether that is connection to ourselves or to others, I believe the desire to belong lives inside each of us. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. There can be so many places where shame, doubt, old wounds, and miscommunication disorient and disconnect us. As a therapist, I consider it a great privilege to be invited into your world and to get to partner with you as we collaboratively work through some of the things that might be keeping you stuck.

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.

Are you or your child/adolescent feeling overwhelmed? Are you struggling with a situation from the past, present, or future? Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or other difficult emotions? These symptoms all have a way of letting us know we need to make some adjustments, process some experiences, or learn a new way of acceptance. I would be honored to assist you or your child in finding some peace.