Family therapy and counseling in Independence, MO

Partner 1: “I reach for you, but it feels like you’re already gone.” I’m left wondering if I matter to you at all.” Partner 2: “When you come close, I feel the pressure to be perfect, so I pull back to protect us both.” These unspoken messages leave couples lonely and stuck. I help break this anxious–avoidant cycle so partners feel safe, seen, and deeply connected again.

“I don’t understand why I want closeness so badly, yet feel disappointed when I have it. Why do I feel lonelier than others, even when I’m not alone?” Or: “I care deeply, but people say I’m distant or hard to read. When emotions get intense, I shut down—not because I don’t feel, but because it feels like too much.”

These quiet tensions live beneath awareness for many people. Longing and self-protection pull in opposite directions. Needs feel confusing, emotions feel overwhelming or unsafe, and core beliefs quietly form—I’m too much, I’m not enough, connection costs me something.

I help people loosen these patterns, reconcile the Self with more truthful and adaptive beliefs, and move toward self-acceptance and interdependence—where connection no longer threatens safety, but deepens it.

After nine years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, I realized my deepest fulfillment came not from fixing systems, but from walking with people. Leaving the military was not a departure from service—it was a continuation of it. I pursued social work and theological training to better support people in their most important relationships. Today, my practice is devoted to couples counseling and trauma-informed care. Drawing primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, I help couples slow conflict, understand what drives disconnection, and emotional safety. As a veteran and seminary-trained therapist, I bring structure, compassion, and steady hope—meeting clients with respect, grace, and a belief in lasting change.

I began my career in community mental health in 2010. I completed my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Evangel University. Prior to becoming a therapist I worked as a nurse for 13 years. This background leads me to take a holistic, whole-person approach to my practice. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and have specialized in treatment of trauma, ADHD, and child-parent conflicts.

Hi, I’m Natasha, a practicing therapist with over 18 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges.

Over the years, I’ve supported clients through struggles with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, life transitions, ADHD, and family dynamics. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical—I believe therapy should be a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make real, lasting changes.

I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, tailoring each session to your unique needs. Clients often share that they value my ability to listen deeply, provide fresh perspectives, and offer tools they can use in daily life.

If you’re looking for a therapist who combines compassion with nearly two decades of professional experience, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward growth, clarity, and healing.

H, I'm Dr. Michelle Echols and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master's and Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and more than a decade of experience helping people untangle some of life's most complicated moments — relationship struggles, family tension, substance use, and the rollercoaster that comes with being a teenager.

My sweet spots are teens, couples, and families. I genuinely love this work, and I especially love watching people who felt stuck start to move again.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with over three years of experience helping individuals navigate and process traumatic events. I am passionate about supporting clients in growing and excelling amid life's challenges. I want everyone to grow and become a healthier, more balanced version of themselves.

I am a dedicated and compassionate licensed therapist with over six years of experience in the field. Some of my areas of expertise and specializations include but are not limited to Anxiety, Depression, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem issues, addictions, personality disorders, and life decisions. My mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals/couples can explore their challenges, find solutions, and ultimately achieve greater well-being and personal growth.

Hello, I’m Abby Pease, LCSW, QS! As a therapist, I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I bring warmth, energy, and a touch of humor into my work, helping clients navigate challenges while also reminding them that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and clarity as you move toward growth and resilience.