Grief counselors and therapists in Lawrence, KS

I earned the MSW from the University of Kansas in 2014. I have since engaged in a range of direct human and mental health service work; including in-home therapy with youth and their families connected to state child protective services; crisis therapy and case management in a short-term crisis stabilization facility; outpatient community mental health therapy including work with individuals, families or couples, and groups.

Hi, my name is Julie Karanja, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have been in the helping profession for over 20 years and have worked at SOZO Therapy Group for more than three years. I consider it an honor to walk alongside individuals who take the brave step of beginning their therapy journey.

I enjoy supporting individuals through grief and loss, relational challenges—including betrayal trauma—and working with women and couples as they navigate their reproductive journeys. I have held a certification in Perinatal Mental Health for over five years, bringing specialized training and care to this area of my work.

If you’re feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, trauma, mood shifts, or ADHD symptoms and wondering whether medication could help, you’re not alone. I work with teens and adults navigating mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and stress-related challenges.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my mix of medical expertise and genuine compassion. With a background in both psychiatry and intensive medical care, I understand how closely the mind and body are connected. My goal is to make care accessible and consistent, which is why I offer flexible scheduling and telehealth appointments.

In our first sessions, we’ll review your history, clarify your symptoms, and determine whether medication is appropriate. If it is, we’ll build a treatment plan that feels realistic, evidence-based, and aligned with your goals and overall health.

Outside of work, I find balance through yoga, comedy, time with my dog, and enjoying sunny days — reminders that healing comes from both steady progress and moments of joy.

Hello! My name is Jason Porter. I work with adults, and teens and couples who are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or just some general life struggles. I know from experience that life can be difficult, and sometimes getting some help can make all the difference. I love to listen and help others live the life they want to live. I believe this is my purpose and feel blessed to be able to help. I started my mental health career working at a community mental health center for several years. I then moved on to School counseling, and now I am working in private practice.

I believe in meeting my clients where they're at. They are the expert in their own story. I'm just here to listen, help process, maybe challenge, and encourage them in their journey. I went to Newman University for my Master's Degree and went on to get my Clinical License. I have worked with varying populations including teens, adults, geriatrics, the prison population, couples counseling, and Christian Counseling. I enjoy working with people who have been through trauma or grief or have experienced anxiety or depression.

As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, my goal is to create hope and help people to realize that together we can overcome whatever struggles they are facing. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I have been a nurse for 27 years, and I strive to show compassion and understanding to everyone who needs help.

I am deeply committed to helping individuals discover meaning and purpose in their lives. With more than four decades of experience as a counselor, I specialize in guiding clients through recovery from addictions, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

As an Associate Professor in the Online Department of Community Care and Counseling within the School of Behavioral Sciences at Liberty University, I facilitate courses designed to help students and clients rediscover their zest for life and cultivate lasting emotional well-being.

In my private practice, I work extensively with couples, equipping them with practical tools and proven techniques to restore joy, strengthen relational intimacy, and build fulfilling, resilient relationships.

I live in Lynchburg, Virginia, where I remain actively engaged in my community. My areas of specialization include trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, child abuse recovery, and relational intimacy. I am also the author of Joy on the Same Page (2023), which outlines my Relational Intimacy approach.

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You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or frustrated with patterns that don’t seem to change. Maybe anxiety is constant, depression has drained your motivation, ADHD is affecting your focus, or past trauma continues to resurface. You want clarity, stability, and relief — not just for today, but long term. You want to feel like yourself again, function better at school or work, and regain control of your emotions instead of feeling controlled by them.

I believe therapy works best when you feel understood, respected, and never judged. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you develop skills that you can use outside of our sessions rather than simply talking through problems week after week. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps people respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful action toward the life they want to build.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, or overwhelming stress, my goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what you're experiencing and feel supported as we work toward lasting change. I strive to balance compassion with directness, offering both validation and practical strategies to help you move forward in a way that aligns with your values.