Therapists in Jackson County, MO
A Balanced Life LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MSW, LCSW, LSCSW
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64113
Approaches we use may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); emotionally focused therapy (EFT); EMDR therapy; expressive arts therapy; and play and sand tray therapy.
Healing requires restoring trust in yourself and tapping into your strengths and inner wisdom. At A Balanced Life LLC we believe in each person's innate capacity for, and natural progression towards, healing. Our goal is to help you achieve relief, lasting change, and confidence. Trusting you as the expert, our therapeutic approaches follow your lead. A Balanced Life LLC offers therapy to people of all ages and stages of life, matching you to a therapist who provides effective therapy according to your needs and goals.
Approaches we use may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); emotionally focused therapy (EFT); EMDR therapy; expressive arts therapy; and play and sand tray therapy.
Healing requires restoring trust in yourself and tapping into your strengths and inner wisdom. At A Balanced Life LLC we believe in each person's innate capacity for, and natural progression towards, healing. Our goal is to help you achieve relief, lasting change, and confidence. Trusting you as the expert, our therapeutic approaches follow your lead. A Balanced Life LLC offers therapy to people of all ages and stages of life, matching you to a therapist who provides effective therapy according to your needs and goals.
Daylin Rodriguez Cesar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC, PhDc
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Independence, MO 64050 (Online Only)
I am a certified Play Therapist and Hypnotherapist.
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.
I am a certified Play Therapist and Hypnotherapist.
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.
Amber Utter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CIMHP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64064
I am trained in play therapy, certified in Prepare/Enrich (helping couples start out strong), EMDR certified and a certified integrative mental health provider (CIMHP).
Every person has a unique path to walk in life. Sometimes you need someone to walk with you to guide, support, validate and encourage . I would see it as a privilege to walk beside you on your journey. It's difficult to reach out and it takes courage to seek positive change. I'm here to help you navigate life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict and more.
I am trained in play therapy, certified in Prepare/Enrich (helping couples start out strong), EMDR certified and a certified integrative mental health provider (CIMHP).
Every person has a unique path to walk in life. Sometimes you need someone to walk with you to guide, support, validate and encourage . I would see it as a privilege to walk beside you on your journey. It's difficult to reach out and it takes courage to seek positive change. I'm here to help you navigate life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict and more.
Candiss Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114 (Online Only)
Play and Art Therapy allows a child to express themselves.
Virtual Only: I specialize in providing clients with a unique approach to helping them reach specific life goals. I will help you recognize problems and take action to decrease or eliminate potential impacts to your emotional well-being. My customized approach, tailored to individual needs, allows me to help you create achievable goals that are based on your needs and lifestyle. I use state-of-the-art tools to identify your issues easily and effectively. I am committed to helping you make fluid movement in your life. I am licensed to provide services in 3 states:Texas, Missouri and Minnesota.
Play and Art Therapy allows a child to express themselves.
Virtual Only: I specialize in providing clients with a unique approach to helping them reach specific life goals. I will help you recognize problems and take action to decrease or eliminate potential impacts to your emotional well-being. My customized approach, tailored to individual needs, allows me to help you create achievable goals that are based on your needs and lifestyle. I use state-of-the-art tools to identify your issues easily and effectively. I am committed to helping you make fluid movement in your life. I am licensed to provide services in 3 states:Texas, Missouri and Minnesota.
Amy Lynn Hanson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACHT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64082
Whether I am seeing a child individually for play therapy; offering support to caregivers; utilizing attachment-focused interventions; collaborating on behavior modification; or seeing adults individually who are ready to heal from their own trauma; I continue to be inspired by the vulnerability and courage of those who are ready to change their lives!.
Love and nurturing are the cornerstones of my practice. From my youngest clients to my oldest, I believe that a positive connection in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere encourages and empowers the children, families and adults I work with to heal and grow from the inside out! My focus for the past 13 years of my career has been on supporting children, families and individuals to reconnect with each other and themselves in a way that enhances their sense of peace, joy and fulfillment.
Whether I am seeing a child individually for play therapy; offering support to caregivers; utilizing attachment-focused interventions; collaborating on behavior modification; or seeing adults individually who are ready to heal from their own trauma; I continue to be inspired by the vulnerability and courage of those who are ready to change their lives!.
Love and nurturing are the cornerstones of my practice. From my youngest clients to my oldest, I believe that a positive connection in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere encourages and empowers the children, families and adults I work with to heal and grow from the inside out! My focus for the past 13 years of my career has been on supporting children, families and individuals to reconnect with each other and themselves in a way that enhances their sense of peace, joy and fulfillment.
Dawn Stillinger
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC/KS, LPC/MO, RPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64111
Waitlist for new clients
The therapy approaches that I practice are person-centered, family systems, trauma-focused CBT, CBT, EMDR, play therapy, attachment-based interventions, mindfulness, art interventions and psychoeducation.
I currently have a 2-3 week wait to schedule an appointment. 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 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.
The therapy approaches that I practice are person-centered, family systems, trauma-focused CBT, CBT, EMDR, play therapy, attachment-based interventions, mindfulness, art interventions and psychoeducation.
I currently have a 2-3 week wait to schedule an appointment. 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 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.
Hawthorne Counseling Llc Susan Andree
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Lees Summit, MO 64064
There are times when life throws experiences your way that require extra support and care. Let the counselors here at Hawthorne Counseling help you, your children or the whole family navigate these challenging times. Let us help breakdown roadblocks that are keeping you from having fulfilling and loving relationships. We work with people who experience anxiety, depression, behavior issues, trauma, grief & loss, divorce, abandonment, and attachment & adjustment challenges, and ADHD. Sometimes finances are a barrier to getting the support you need. Give us a call and we can discuss some options.
There are times when life throws experiences your way that require extra support and care. Let the counselors here at Hawthorne Counseling help you, your children or the whole family navigate these challenging times. Let us help breakdown roadblocks that are keeping you from having fulfilling and loving relationships. We work with people who experience anxiety, depression, behavior issues, trauma, grief & loss, divorce, abandonment, and attachment & adjustment challenges, and ADHD. Sometimes finances are a barrier to getting the support you need. Give us a call and we can discuss some options.
Alicia M. Hegarty
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CTP, CAIMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blue Springs, MO 64015 (Online Only)
In a world full of judgment, we need someone we can be vulnerable with. We need someone we can talk to about the uncomfortable thoughts and emotions associated with fears and insecurities. We need someone we can bounce ideas off of to find perspective. In a world full of judgment, we need a nonjudgmental someone who can be kind, empathetic, and psychological educated to help us grow in self and life contentment. My 32 years of cosmetology and services industry work, along with my achievement of honors in both my BA and MA, has allowed me to build acceptance, wisdom, perspective, and awareness in my therapeutic approach.
In a world full of judgment, we need someone we can be vulnerable with. We need someone we can talk to about the uncomfortable thoughts and emotions associated with fears and insecurities. We need someone we can bounce ideas off of to find perspective. In a world full of judgment, we need a nonjudgmental someone who can be kind, empathetic, and psychological educated to help us grow in self and life contentment. My 32 years of cosmetology and services industry work, along with my achievement of honors in both my BA and MA, has allowed me to build acceptance, wisdom, perspective, and awareness in my therapeutic approach.
Abby Lindsay
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64108
Life can be hard sometimes and full of stress, but my goal is to help provide a sense of inner peace and increase in happiness. I am passionate about the body and mind connection and identifying ways to improve overall happiness to live your best life. Life is meant to be lived and to feel empowered. Finding your own inner strength through improvement in mood, cognitions, and overall well-being. Having a safe space to talk and improve self growth and awareness is critical to improvement in daily functioning. My favorite saying is happiness is good for the soul and finding out that you are capable of that is my motivation!
Life can be hard sometimes and full of stress, but my goal is to help provide a sense of inner peace and increase in happiness. I am passionate about the body and mind connection and identifying ways to improve overall happiness to live your best life. Life is meant to be lived and to feel empowered. Finding your own inner strength through improvement in mood, cognitions, and overall well-being. Having a safe space to talk and improve self growth and awareness is critical to improvement in daily functioning. My favorite saying is happiness is good for the soul and finding out that you are capable of that is my motivation!
Addiction Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64134
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.
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.
Katlin Huskey - Accepting New Clients!
Pre-Licensed Professional, BS , MS, CIT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lees Summit, MO 64063
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” - Brene Brown. You might be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem issues, or relational issues. I am here to help you make the changes you would like to make, to help you learn more about yourself, and to strengthen your relationships so you can know yourself as whole and safe and can experience a positive quality of life! I treat clients of all different ages and backgrounds!.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” - Brene Brown. You might be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem issues, or relational issues. I am here to help you make the changes you would like to make, to help you learn more about yourself, and to strengthen your relationships so you can know yourself as whole and safe and can experience a positive quality of life! I treat clients of all different ages and backgrounds!.
15 Second Videos
Alicia M. Hegarty
Abby Lindsay
Katlin Huskey - Accepting New Clients!
Leah Kb Krieger
Nicci Marshall
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, S-MFT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64108
Feeling alone with your problems is really tough. I know how lonely and powerless this can feel. Do you want to let go of your frustrations, anxieties, stressors or sadness? You can and you don't have to do it alone. What if you could understand and accept yourself fully, including your imperfections? What if you could understand and accept others in the same way? You can become the person you want you want to be.
Feeling alone with your problems is really tough. I know how lonely and powerless this can feel. Do you want to let go of your frustrations, anxieties, stressors or sadness? You can and you don't have to do it alone. What if you could understand and accept yourself fully, including your imperfections? What if you could understand and accept others in the same way? You can become the person you want you want to be.
Jennifer Reid
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, RD, LD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blue Springs, MO 64015
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.
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.
Laura Dixon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC, RBT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114
Waitlist for new clients
Do you wish there was someone out there that understood you? Do you feel separate from others, different somehow and struggle to find someone to relate to? Possibly you feel inauthentic in your relationships with others or in the roles that you find yourself in. Human connection is something that we all need and strive for and yet is difficult to obtain at times especially with our fast-paced, individual-centric lives. The therapeutic relationship can provide a safe space to explore identities, challenge obstacles to connection and learn to overcome our difficulties in new and exciting ways.
Do you wish there was someone out there that understood you? Do you feel separate from others, different somehow and struggle to find someone to relate to? Possibly you feel inauthentic in your relationships with others or in the roles that you find yourself in. Human connection is something that we all need and strive for and yet is difficult to obtain at times especially with our fast-paced, individual-centric lives. The therapeutic relationship can provide a safe space to explore identities, challenge obstacles to connection and learn to overcome our difficulties in new and exciting ways.
Vanessa Wray Knight
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64105
Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and KS board-approved clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances or losses.
Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and KS board-approved clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances or losses.
Annalisa Gramlich
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, RYT
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64114
"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." C.G. Jung-- You might suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, and/or relationship issues, but the key is that you are willing to explore why. My philosophy is holistic in that I feel like it is important to examine each part of life because I truly believe everything is connected when it concerns mental, emotional, and physical suffering and pain. I have recently completed a yoga teacher certification so I am able to incorporate somatic principles and movement into my work with clients.
"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." C.G. Jung-- You might suffer from anxiety, depression, grief, and/or relationship issues, but the key is that you are willing to explore why. My philosophy is holistic in that I feel like it is important to examine each part of life because I truly believe everything is connected when it concerns mental, emotional, and physical suffering and pain. I have recently completed a yoga teacher certification so I am able to incorporate somatic principles and movement into my work with clients.
Country Crossroads Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CRADC
Verified Verified
Lone Jack, MO 64070
Thank you for taking a few minutes to research counselors in your area! Finding the right counselor can be the most important part of this journey. We currently have 40+ counselors and 7 admin staff. We offer locations in Pleasant Hill, Warrensburg, Blue Springs, Higginsville, Lone Jack, and Kingsville as well as providing School Based therapy in 15 local school districts. CCC is excited to offer Animal Assisted Therapy at several locations. Clients say they love the escape and have a sense of peace and relaxation. To learn more about our individual counselors and how we can help you, visit our website.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to research counselors in your area! Finding the right counselor can be the most important part of this journey. We currently have 40+ counselors and 7 admin staff. We offer locations in Pleasant Hill, Warrensburg, Blue Springs, Higginsville, Lone Jack, and Kingsville as well as providing School Based therapy in 15 local school districts. CCC is excited to offer Animal Assisted Therapy at several locations. Clients say they love the escape and have a sense of peace and relaxation. To learn more about our individual counselors and how we can help you, visit our website.
Wendy Gray
MA, PLPC, SATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blue Springs, MO 64015
Are you feeling overcome by relationships, health issues, or work? Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with the daily demands of life. Each of us has primary needs to feel safe, secure, protected, loved, and connected. These innate needs follow us throughout life and have a significant impact on our ability to experience life to the fullest. When our fundamental needs are not being met, we can experience significant negative emotions & stress. Our primary essential needs are satisfied physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually & behaviorally, but we have to be intentional and active in that process.
Are you feeling overcome by relationships, health issues, or work? Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with the daily demands of life. Each of us has primary needs to feel safe, secure, protected, loved, and connected. These innate needs follow us throughout life and have a significant impact on our ability to experience life to the fullest. When our fundamental needs are not being met, we can experience significant negative emotions & stress. Our primary essential needs are satisfied physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually & behaviorally, but we have to be intentional and active in that process.
Laura K Probasco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S, CDWF
Verified Verified
Kansas City, MO 64110
If you're reading this, I want you to know how courageous it is that you've already taken the first step: asking for help. It's something no one wants to do, but I've been there, and it can be the change you need to live the life you were meant to. Being vulnerable and brave enough to tell your story is tough. But getting you to the place where you can actually own your story, and maybe even write a new ending, is totally worth it.
If you're reading this, I want you to know how courageous it is that you've already taken the first step: asking for help. It's something no one wants to do, but I've been there, and it can be the change you need to live the life you were meant to. Being vulnerable and brave enough to tell your story is tough. But getting you to the place where you can actually own your story, and maybe even write a new ending, is totally worth it.
Diakonos Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCSW, LPC, PLPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Independence, MO 64057
Diakonos is a private mental health counseling center in Independence, MO since 1981. We believe in a healthy approach to healing life's problems through integrating sound principles for the mind, body & spirit. We offer compassionate care for those struggling with painful emotions, distorted thinking, and troubling behavior, as well as those desiring personal growth and more satisfying relationships. We are comfortable and experienced at integrating clients' religious & spiritual beliefs with the therapy and healing process. Treatment is personalized to meet the individual needs of each participant. Therapists are available to lead conferences and speak on topics of interest to your church, business, or organization.
Diakonos is a private mental health counseling center in Independence, MO since 1981. We believe in a healthy approach to healing life's problems through integrating sound principles for the mind, body & spirit. We offer compassionate care for those struggling with painful emotions, distorted thinking, and troubling behavior, as well as those desiring personal growth and more satisfying relationships. We are comfortable and experienced at integrating clients' religious & spiritual beliefs with the therapy and healing process. Treatment is personalized to meet the individual needs of each participant. Therapists are available to lead conferences and speak on topics of interest to your church, business, or organization.
See more therapy options for Jackson County
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.