Codependency Therapists in Raytown, MO

Why is it so hard to break the cycle of codependency, people-pleasing behaviors, and crap-fitting? Because codependency, aka, "self-love deficit disorder" is a lot like drug addiction. Most people are not ready to face the withdrawal symptoms like core loneliness and guilt, and succumb to their old patterns. You might even experience symptoms of PTSD from toxic relationships. In order to heal, you must have determination and guidance. It's going to be the hardest thing you have ever done, but you can be free. There's simply no other way around it.

Is the stress and anxiety of life getting you down? Does it seem like you will never overcome the emotional and physical pain you are experiencing? Are you stuck in behavioral patterns that derail financial success, impede relationships, and sabotage professional and personal growth? Pessimism, sadness, anger, and frustration, are real emotions with consequences, sometimes severe. They prevent you from enjoying your best life. Feeling stuck, unloved/cared for, worthless, and a failure is no fun. If it seems you are destined to live out this unfulfilling and, at times, hopeless life; take heart. Hope is just a phone call away!

I know that finding a competent therapist that you connect with can be tough. I believe I can help. I have worked in outpatient and inpatient hospital settings with younger and older adults. I use a number of different skills found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to guide therapy. I am currently certified in DBT and Addictions. My clients and I have discussed and worked on issues including addiction, anxiety, bipolar disorder, codependency, depression, dual diagnosis, grief, life transitions, life meaning, relationship/family issues, self-esteem, substance use, trauma, and PTSD.

I believe that we all reach places in our lives where we are learning, unlearning and possibly relearning the existential areas of: who am I, what do I want, and what are my barriers & blind spots? Some may need support identifying or answering these questions cause they can be overwhelming. We often develop limitations in efforts to cope with grief, stress, control, hurt & relationships. So do you wonder,"What might be getting in my way or holding me back?", or "What I am avoiding?" or "Do I want to be more effective in my relationship?" Therapy can support you when you are answering these incredibly rich questions for yourself.

Life is hard. When we are faced with challenges, we can become discouraged, stuck, and even hopeless. Asking for help is also scary, and for some, a gamble. However, I believe if you take a leap of faith and reach out, you may find that one person who understands and wants to join you in finding solutions that could help "reset" your life. Allow me to be that sounding board and assist you in seeking ways to cope with life transitions, stress, anxiety, low self worth, codependency, inner family problems, addiction, depression.

I'm an Individual & Family Therapist licensed since 2005. My background includes 12 years (2005-2017) working full-time in long-term inpatient programs for teens as a therapist & training director before I opened a private practice in 2017. My advanced training allows me to treat a broad scope of issues but I don't pretend to specialize in everything! Specializing only in: 1) Teens / Young adults, 2) Parenting & 3) Christian counseling. I have 20+ years of student ministry & ministry leadership experience. My career in residential care has trained me to treat the toughest challenges teens, young adults, & families can face.

Specializing in assisting individuals embodying traditional masculine qualities, I navigate sexual addiction, trauma, anxiety, or relationship challenges. Committed to providing a secure and professional space for your journey towards relief and healing, my approach prioritizes tangible outcomes and practical solutions. Your well-being is at the forefront as we work together to address the intricacies of your experiences and foster positive transformation.

You are a successful career woman who is fighting anxiety every stinking day. You say “yes” without considering your schedule or your needs. You worry all of the time about what others think about you and you tend to act differently depending on who you are around. You are scared of being rejected or abandoned, and you spend way too much time in your head replaying conversations you’ve had, fearful that you said something wrong. You doubt yourself frequently and hate to make decisions! Your body has a lot of tension and you’ve been to your doctor or an ER because you thought you were having a heart attack. Time to invest in you.

I believe in the strength of working together to solve life issues. Taking the first step is the hardest; finding a counselor and making the phone call. Congratulations for reaching out to find support and help.

I believe compassion and empathy create the foundation for clients to develop greater insight and self-awareness. My approach to therapy is collaborative working to resolve mental and emotion stressors that impede one's ability to achieve their goals. I work with clients to identify maladaptive communication patterns, resolve conflict, transition to a new stage in life or career, and foster each individual’s innate skills, knowledge, and growth.

Hello! Thank you for visiting with me! Fostering “next steps” in all areas of life defines my approach to counseling. My experience with childhood loss, a pervasive family history of depression and anxiety, and a recent diagnosis of ADHD have created opportunities to learn and grow personally and professionally. A Christian foundation grounds my decisions personally and professionally. I believe God works powerfully through relationships and promises to guide us.

There are few joys greater than interpersonal freedom. Living unabashedly and authentically as you deserve and desire. This is our true heritage as humans. When we are barraged daily to find this freedom externally by our culture, (perhaps friends and family) and then osmotically transfer it inward we are left deeply lacking. It never works. The cost of freedom and to a higher level of awareness about ourselves is called work. W-O-R-K! The digging deep kind of work. Working to let go of anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, or whatever repeatedly binds us to a negative narrative from the past that no longer serves the present.

Are you living with anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment and relationship challenges, or major life changes? Maybe you're feeling stuck in a storm of negativity and pain with no ray of hope in sight. Life can be extremely hard AND you are not alone. Connecting with a well-trained therapist is one of the best investments that you can make in yourself. I will help you explore life patterns, heal wounds from the past, and teach skills needed to build the life and relationships that you are seeking. Counseling is a healthy way to uncover the past, embrace the present, and pursue your best path forward. Regain control of your life!

Your flourishing is my utmost concern as your therapist. I believe that we, as humans, thrive best when we are deeply known and accepted. Our greatest buffer against feelings of loneliness, depression, and chronic-anxiety are healthy relationships. I enjoy working with those interested in developing healthier relationships with themselves and their significant others (family, friends, partner, etc.).

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! I am a therapist with Jordan Psychological Center in Overland Park and am currently accepting new clients with little wait time! Mental health is my greatest passion, and I feel so fortunate to be able to serve the needs of this community.