LGBT therapists in Independence, MO

I am seasoned therapist with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with a wide range of clientele.

I have been married for 41 years and am a mother and grandmother. I have have an MSW degree and have been in private practice as a therapist for 27 years. I prefer serving adults and have a passion for individual and couples counseling.

I am curious and validating, providing a nurturing environment to talk openly and honestly about your struggles, strengths, weaknesses, needs, likes, and dislikes. I love helping people explore their unique and particular powers as well as how these powers impact their world and their relationships. As a passionate supporter of those who have been through unjust or otherwise traumatic experiences--including those experiencing discrimination based upon race or gender identity or sexual orientation--I am particularly interested in helping people gain skills for dealing with, and making sense of, the remnants of their pasts.

Having completed Bessel Van der Kolk's Trauma Research Foundation's Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies in early 2025, I have a strong foundational understanding of the most cutting edge approaches to treating trauma. I am also comfortable using a combination of approaches, including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I received an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a psychodynamically focused program, after which I completed Bryn Mawr's certificate program in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also completed 1 year of Gestalt Therapy training and the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Immersion Program.

As an LCSW, my training emphasized the role of social environment--from the family to society at large--in how we construct our narratives, enabling me to help you make sense of what in your life is yours to own and what is a product of your environment.

Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.

You're navigating something hard right now, whether that's anxiety, depression, grief, a major life transition, or stress that just won't let up. You don't have to figure it out alone. I'm Joseph, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience helping people move through uncertainty with confidence. My work is grounded in a simple belief: when we accept change and prepare for it thoughtfully, we transform it from a source of crisis into an opportunity for growth .

Everyone experiences seasons of uncertainty, loss, transition, or feeling stuck. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, chronic illness, or overwhelming stress, you don't have to do it alone. My role is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can better understand yourself, build resilience, and develop practical strategies to move forward with confidence.

In addition to providing therapy, I work as a Care Progression Social Worker in a hospital setting, where I help patients and families navigate some of life's most difficult moments. This experience has reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make thoughtful decisions. I earned my Master of Social Work and am licensed in both Missouri and Kansas. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you create lasting, meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.

Everyone has the capacity for growth. Therapy offers a space to process life experiences with someone who will listen with empathy and support as you pursue a life that feels authentic and meaningful.

I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with individual adults. I support clients navigating ADHD, neurodivergence, emotional regulation, relationship patterns, identity, and life transitions. My work is trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in the belief that therapy can help you better understand yourself, strengthen self-trust, and the clinical belief that any person can change course in life at any time.

I draw from approaches such as EFT, IFS, ACT, and integrative experiential techniques, tailoring our work to your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore emotions, patterns, and strategies that help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to yourself and the relationships that matter most.

I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

I work primarily with adults experiencing substance use, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with 9 years of experience in private practice, inpatient substance use clinics, and community based mental health centers.