Dori Exum

Welcome—I’m truly glad you’re here. I bring a warm, grounded, and collaborative approach to this work, shaped by graduating with honors in my Master’s program and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Human Services. With 17 years of experience supporting at‐risk youth and families across Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, I also hold specialized training in DBT, ASIST, and emerging work with elders through grief support and medical assessments.

My practice continues to expand as I deepen my understanding of military culture and the unique stressors faced by Service Members, Veterans, and their families. I integrate training in trauma‐responsive care, reintegration support, and the emotional impact of deployment cycles to help military‐connected clients navigate transitions, identity shifts, and family dynamics with strength and clarity.

It’s an honor to walk alongside you as we navigate this journey together.

My approach is warm, steady, and collaborative—I create a space where clients feel both supported and empowered to grow. I work from a trauma‐informed, strengths‐based lens, helping people slow down, make sense of their experiences, and build practical skills they can use in their daily lives. My style is direct but compassionate: I name patterns, offer clear language, and guide clients toward insight without judgment or pressure.

I integrate specialized training in DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution‐Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and ASIST, allowing me to tailor sessions to each person’s needs—whether that’s emotional regulation, communication, grief support, or navigating complex family dynamics.

Your first session with me is designed to feel welcoming, steady, and pressure‐free. I focus on creating an environment where you can settle in, breathe, and get a sense of who I am and how we might work together. We’ll explore what brings you in, what you’re hoping to shift or strengthen, and what support looks like for you right now. I’ll ask thoughtful, gentle questions to understand your history, your strengths, and the patterns you’ve been navigating—always at your pace. By the end of the session, we’ll identify a few initial goals or areas of focus, and you’ll leave with a clearer sense of direction, partnership, and what our work together can offer.