Family therapy and counseling in Kansas City, MO

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 a clinically licensed therapist who works with teens and adults. I support clients who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, depression, emotional regulation, relationship stress, life transitions, and self esteem concerns. I aim to create a space that feels warm, genuine, and safe. I believe therapy does not have to feel intimidating to be effective, and I often use appropriate humor to help clients feel more comfortable while doing meaningful work.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience in leadership and direct care positions in behavioral health and substance abuse facilities, I remain dedicated to helping individuals respond to and cope with the challenges of life. These include living with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship issues, parenting, or other life's stressors, as well as, the challenges of alcohol or drug abuse disorders. I have frequently witnessed, and believe, recovery is possible and I appreciate the opportuity to assist you in finding the hope, joy and happiness you deserve.

I have been working as a clinician and an administrator for over 25 years. After gaining a Master's of Social Work, I worked in community mental health centers in Northern Arizona, Chicago, Missouri and Kansas. I have held roles as a case manager, therapist, clinical supervisor and an administrator overseeing operations of a community mental health center. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work at organizations across the country that focus on helping clients achieve wellness and balance in their lives. As a clinician, I am dedicated to providing personalized care to clients, and helping clients move towards wellness through the use of CBT, EMDR and other evidence based practices.

I look forward to meeting you and working with you.

If you are moving through a major life transition, especially one you did not choose, you may find that old ways of coping no longer work. Many of the people I work with are adapting to a new chapter, trying to build the skills to meet it while weighing how change will affect the people they love. Some arrive unsure about trying therapy again after a difficult experience. Together, we trace how your family of origin and earliest relationships still echo in what you face today, because after more than 25 years, I have found that connecting past and present is often where real change begins.

As a Missouri Ozarks native, nature and the outdoors have always played a huge part in my healing journey and mental health. Growing up, I was outside any chance I got; riding bikes, riding horses, climbing trees, bird watching, rock collecting, camping, hiking, floating, boating, spelunking, exploring creeks, and enjoying campfires. Nature immersion, movement in nature, outdoor recreation, and horsemanship remain part of my daily practice; and I incorporate these into my therapeutic work wherever possible.

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.