Parenting Therapists in Smithville, MO
Laurie White LSCSW-Overthinking & Perfectionism
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW
29 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling with anxiety and dread sifting through therapist profiles hoping to find one who won't just sit and nod -who will give you actual strategies that work long term? No worries, I've got you. After 20 plus years working in mental health (KS/MO) -I've developed a unique process that helps individuals learn to strengthen self trust, build confidence, and truly enjoy life again. Life will continue to throw curveballs, but it's not necessary to live in constant fear or be derailed every time we are faced with our "stuff". If you're looking to create results in your life- I'd love to chat and discuss what's possible.
Are you struggling with anxiety and dread sifting through therapist profiles hoping to find one who won't just sit and nod -who will give you actual strategies that work long term? No worries, I've got you. After 20 plus years working in mental health (KS/MO) -I've developed a unique process that helps individuals learn to strengthen self trust, build confidence, and truly enjoy life again. Life will continue to throw curveballs, but it's not necessary to live in constant fear or be derailed every time we are faced with our "stuff". If you're looking to create results in your life- I'd love to chat and discuss what's possible.
Welcome to The Well Counseling Services. I am a counselor who enjoys helping others to see their potential, work through their struggles, bond families together again, and help individuals reach their personal goals! There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see someone take the courageous step to work through a difficult situation and grow in their self-esteem, self-worth, and identity.
Welcome to The Well Counseling Services. I am a counselor who enjoys helping others to see their potential, work through their struggles, bond families together again, and help individuals reach their personal goals! There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see someone take the courageous step to work through a difficult situation and grow in their self-esteem, self-worth, and identity.
Change is hard. Sometimes not changing is even harder. I know the next steps are going to be difficult. You should know that despite whatever circumstances you find yourself, there is hope, there is opportunity for healing ahead.
Change is hard. Sometimes not changing is even harder. I know the next steps are going to be difficult. You should know that despite whatever circumstances you find yourself, there is hope, there is opportunity for healing ahead.
You overthink and over-plan. You find it difficult to make decisions. Perhaps you feel anxious in social situations or dread doing the activities you once enjoyed. You are striving to keep everything perfect and would rather implode than disappoint someone. Or maybe the opposite - you find yourself getting angry or defensive when others try to help. You are overwhelmed and stressed. You have been struggling for so long that it has become your new normal. You are ready for change or you would not be here. But how do you find a therapist in Kansas City, MO you can fully trust? One that you can connect with? Let me help.
You overthink and over-plan. You find it difficult to make decisions. Perhaps you feel anxious in social situations or dread doing the activities you once enjoyed. You are striving to keep everything perfect and would rather implode than disappoint someone. Or maybe the opposite - you find yourself getting angry or defensive when others try to help. You are overwhelmed and stressed. You have been struggling for so long that it has become your new normal. You are ready for change or you would not be here. But how do you find a therapist in Kansas City, MO you can fully trust? One that you can connect with? Let me help.
Life can be difficult to navigate. Do you or your teen wish you could find the strength and confidence to push through the pressures and challenges of life? Do you or your teen struggle with overthinking, negative self talk or thoughts of not feeling good enough? Do you feel shame for not being able to perform, enjoy relationships, or cope with everyday life? Do you or your teen wish you could wake up happy and go to bed satisfied? You might remember a time when you didn't feel this way. Together, we’ll work toward building emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and a sense of calm that feels genuine — not forced.
Life can be difficult to navigate. Do you or your teen wish you could find the strength and confidence to push through the pressures and challenges of life? Do you or your teen struggle with overthinking, negative self talk or thoughts of not feeling good enough? Do you feel shame for not being able to perform, enjoy relationships, or cope with everyday life? Do you or your teen wish you could wake up happy and go to bed satisfied? You might remember a time when you didn't feel this way. Together, we’ll work toward building emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and a sense of calm that feels genuine — not forced.
I work with pre-teens navigating the changes from kid to teen and childhood traumas, as well as teens learning who they want to become, stress management, anxiety and depression, and adults living with anxiety, trauma, domestic violence survivors, depression & life changes. I also work with many clients that are neurodivergent, as well as growing up to realize I was an undiagnosed ADHD individual myself. Navigating life without an understanding of why our brain works as it does can be discouraging and often lonely.
I know it is scary when the road feels all uphill, long and lonely, but your not alone - I am here for you.
I work with pre-teens navigating the changes from kid to teen and childhood traumas, as well as teens learning who they want to become, stress management, anxiety and depression, and adults living with anxiety, trauma, domestic violence survivors, depression & life changes. I also work with many clients that are neurodivergent, as well as growing up to realize I was an undiagnosed ADHD individual myself. Navigating life without an understanding of why our brain works as it does can be discouraging and often lonely.
I know it is scary when the road feels all uphill, long and lonely, but your not alone - I am here for you.
More Therapists Nearby
I also work with parents and children to strengthen communication, build healthy routines, and restore connection.
ADHD · Adoption · Anger Management · Anxiety · Codependency · Coping Skills · Depression · Emotional Disturbance · Grief · Life Coaching · Life Transitions · Mood Disorders · Parenting · Peer Relationships · Relationship Issues · Self Esteem · Spirituality · Stress · Trauma and PTSD · Job Stress · Marital/Pre-marital · Men's Issues
I also work with parents and children to strengthen communication, build healthy routines, and restore connection.
ADHD · Adoption · Anger Management · Anxiety · Codependency · Coping Skills · Depression · Emotional Disturbance · Grief · Life Coaching · Life Transitions · Mood Disorders · Parenting · Peer Relationships · Relationship Issues · Self Esteem · Spirituality · Stress · Trauma and PTSD · Job Stress · Marital/Pre-marital · Men's Issues
Valerie Owings
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC, RPT-S
1 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64153
My work with children includes lots of work with parents so that you better understand their development and needs and things often improve quickly.
My passion is working with children and families, helping them to relate better with one another or to cope with normal family issues in healthier ways. I believe all clients possess the potential to improve their lives. My goal is to offer support and strategies so that clients can decide for themselves what is appropriate for them. I hope to help adult clients gain perspective and understanding of their lives so they are empowered to make meaningful changes for themselves. I now also specialize in working with neurodivergent children and adults. My office is in Missouri, and I offer Telehealth in KS or MO. I have openings!
My work with children includes lots of work with parents so that you better understand their development and needs and things often improve quickly.
My passion is working with children and families, helping them to relate better with one another or to cope with normal family issues in healthier ways. I believe all clients possess the potential to improve their lives. My goal is to offer support and strategies so that clients can decide for themselves what is appropriate for them. I hope to help adult clients gain perspective and understanding of their lives so they are empowered to make meaningful changes for themselves. I now also specialize in working with neurodivergent children and adults. My office is in Missouri, and I offer Telehealth in KS or MO. I have openings!
I take care to include families in the therapy process to empower parents and enhance parenting resources.
I operate from a trauma-informed and person centered therapy approach with individuals of all ages, with a specialty in play therapy for children who have experienced trauma or complex stressful experiences. This means that I believe each individual has what it takes within them to be in charge of their own healing, and some people just need help along the way. That also means that you get to come exactly as you are and be accepted and cared for. We will take time to build a positive and authentic therapeutic relationship, which will hold the healing powers of safety and connection.
I take care to include families in the therapy process to empower parents and enhance parenting resources.
I operate from a trauma-informed and person centered therapy approach with individuals of all ages, with a specialty in play therapy for children who have experienced trauma or complex stressful experiences. This means that I believe each individual has what it takes within them to be in charge of their own healing, and some people just need help along the way. That also means that you get to come exactly as you are and be accepted and cared for. We will take time to build a positive and authentic therapeutic relationship, which will hold the healing powers of safety and connection.
Some of my main areas of focus include anxiety, depression, and grief, substance use and addiction, and relationship or parenting challenges.
Hi! I’m Adam Nachum. Have you ever wished you could talk to someone who would really listen—not rush to fix you, judge you, or tell you what you should do? Whether you’re navigating stress, relationship challenges, or a difficult season of life, sometimes the first step forward is having space to slow down, feel understood, and make sense of what’s going on. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 10 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. I believe healing is a journey, not a destination, and good therapy is less about being led somewhere than having a thoughtful guide beside you.
Some of my main areas of focus include anxiety, depression, and grief, substance use and addiction, and relationship or parenting challenges.
Hi! I’m Adam Nachum. Have you ever wished you could talk to someone who would really listen—not rush to fix you, judge you, or tell you what you should do? Whether you’re navigating stress, relationship challenges, or a difficult season of life, sometimes the first step forward is having space to slow down, feel understood, and make sense of what’s going on. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 10 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. I believe healing is a journey, not a destination, and good therapy is less about being led somewhere than having a thoughtful guide beside you.
I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting, and coping with grief and loss.
I have the honor of getting to learn about my clients' stories and how they want to live their lives. The most exciting parts of my work are the moments when a client understands themselves and their experiences just a little differently and those insights enable them to live with more freedom and authenticity.
I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting, and coping with grief and loss.
I have the honor of getting to learn about my clients' stories and how they want to live their lives. The most exciting parts of my work are the moments when a client understands themselves and their experiences just a little differently and those insights enable them to live with more freedom and authenticity.
Licensed, evidence-based Christian counseling that connects insight with real-life action, addressing the four circles of health: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. I help people develop healthy routines, learn effective coping tools, and make everyday lifestyle adjustments that support emotional and mental well-being.
Licensed, evidence-based Christian counseling that connects insight with real-life action, addressing the four circles of health: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. I help people develop healthy routines, learn effective coping tools, and make everyday lifestyle adjustments that support emotional and mental well-being.
If you are a struggling parent, or have a child or adolescent going through a difficult time, know that you are not alone.
Are you consumed with worry about your child and family? Is your child acting out, anxious or depressed? I can provide a safe therapeutic space for your child to express themselves while learning how to manage their anger, anxiety, depression or other issues. I have 25+ years helping children throughout my career as an elementary teacher and high school counselor. Being a registered play therapist makes me uniquely qualified to help younger children ages 5-11 and adolescents ages 12-18.
If you are a struggling parent, or have a child or adolescent going through a difficult time, know that you are not alone.
Are you consumed with worry about your child and family? Is your child acting out, anxious or depressed? I can provide a safe therapeutic space for your child to express themselves while learning how to manage their anger, anxiety, depression or other issues. I have 25+ years helping children throughout my career as an elementary teacher and high school counselor. Being a registered play therapist makes me uniquely qualified to help younger children ages 5-11 and adolescents ages 12-18.
I am a CERTIFIED IMAGO RELATIONSHIP THERAPIST. I specialize in relationship work, and my style is collaborative. I believe that my clients are looking for three things when they come into my office: 1-Encouragement that their pain or negative situation will lessen or end, 2-An opportunity to be heard and validated for their feelings and experiences, 3-A plan of action to improve their lives. My clients often report that they feel empowered after working with me. I offer more than one solution to a problem so that my clients may choose the one that best suits them.
I am a CERTIFIED IMAGO RELATIONSHIP THERAPIST. I specialize in relationship work, and my style is collaborative. I believe that my clients are looking for three things when they come into my office: 1-Encouragement that their pain or negative situation will lessen or end, 2-An opportunity to be heard and validated for their feelings and experiences, 3-A plan of action to improve their lives. My clients often report that they feel empowered after working with me. I offer more than one solution to a problem so that my clients may choose the one that best suits them.
My specialty is working with patients with relationship concerns and adjustment to life circumstances. I enjoy working with young adults and couples and am a certifed sex therapist through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. I have experience working with sexual dysfunctions and interpersonal concerns. I really enjoy working together with patients to analyze problems and am active in providing solutions to problems. Secondarily, I enjoy working with adults and children, evaluating educational and emotional concerns. I have had over 20 years of clinical experience.
My specialty is working with patients with relationship concerns and adjustment to life circumstances. I enjoy working with young adults and couples and am a certifed sex therapist through the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. I have experience working with sexual dysfunctions and interpersonal concerns. I really enjoy working together with patients to analyze problems and am active in providing solutions to problems. Secondarily, I enjoy working with adults and children, evaluating educational and emotional concerns. I have had over 20 years of clinical experience.
In my play room, I implement Child Centered Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment Focused activities, Parent Training, PCIT and when appropriate, a more directive approach.
Play is the place where children’s minds, hearts, and souls meet. Through Play Therapy, children are able to heal from distressing events such as, but not limited to, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, depression, adoption, foster care and attachment issues; and to improve in myriad areas such as impulse control, emotional regulation, ADHD, OCD, and ODD. As your child’s therapist, my goal is to enable children to heal, so that they are empowered to “rise and shine” to their highest potential.
In my play room, I implement Child Centered Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment Focused activities, Parent Training, PCIT and when appropriate, a more directive approach.
Play is the place where children’s minds, hearts, and souls meet. Through Play Therapy, children are able to heal from distressing events such as, but not limited to, trauma, grief and loss, divorce, depression, adoption, foster care and attachment issues; and to improve in myriad areas such as impulse control, emotional regulation, ADHD, OCD, and ODD. As your child’s therapist, my goal is to enable children to heal, so that they are empowered to “rise and shine” to their highest potential.
Whether you are facing a new chapter in your life that leads you unsure of the path forward, a parent seeking support for your child as they navigate their social and emotional world, or searching for ways to heal and grow in your relationships, there is a place to start.
I have 15 years experience working with individuals, children, and families. I have extensive experience working with young children navigating social and emotional skills, parenting, and life transitions in adulthood. I draw from a variety of therapy techniques, with a strong focus on mindfulness, play, and self-compassion.
Whether you are facing a new chapter in your life that leads you unsure of the path forward, a parent seeking support for your child as they navigate their social and emotional world, or searching for ways to heal and grow in your relationships, there is a place to start.
I have 15 years experience working with individuals, children, and families. I have extensive experience working with young children navigating social and emotional skills, parenting, and life transitions in adulthood. I draw from a variety of therapy techniques, with a strong focus on mindfulness, play, and self-compassion.
I help parents understand what their child or teen needs to heal and function better.
Life presents many circumstances that can be difficult for individuals to navigate on their own. It is not uncommon to experience overwhelming emotions in response to challenge, intense reactions to life events, or possibly feeling disconnected from one’s family or world. I am passionate about providing a safe place where children, teens and families can come for help and support.
I help parents understand what their child or teen needs to heal and function better.
Life presents many circumstances that can be difficult for individuals to navigate on their own. It is not uncommon to experience overwhelming emotions in response to challenge, intense reactions to life events, or possibly feeling disconnected from one’s family or world. I am passionate about providing a safe place where children, teens and families can come for help and support.
I work with parents struggling with parenting anxiety, feeling bad or worried about the ways your children are affected by your home life.
I create a comfortable relationship so you can safely challenge your feelings and thoughts and then make changes. I often give assignments to work on between sessions. I also perform diagnostic interviews and evaluations for ADHD, anxiety and depression and make long-term treatment recommendations if needed.
I work with parents struggling with parenting anxiety, feeling bad or worried about the ways your children are affected by your home life.
I create a comfortable relationship so you can safely challenge your feelings and thoughts and then make changes. I often give assignments to work on between sessions. I also perform diagnostic interviews and evaluations for ADHD, anxiety and depression and make long-term treatment recommendations if needed.
Vanessa Wray Knight
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC
3 Endorsed
Kansas City, MO 64105
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!
Nearby Parenting Therapists Searches for Smithville
- Excelsior Springs
- Gladstone
- Independence
- Kansas City
- Kearney
- Lake Waukomis
- Liberty
- Missouri City
- North Kansas City
- Parkville
- Platte City
- Platte Woods
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.