Family therapy and counseling in Springfield, MO

Life can feel overwhelming when you're managing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, physical health concerns, or trying to navigate a major life transition. You may feel stuck, emotionally exhausted, uncertain about the future, or disconnected from yourself and the life you want to create. I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors facing anxiety, depression, women's issues, identity concerns, family stress, physical health challenges, grief and loss, panic symptoms, trauma, and major life changes. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking a supportive space where they can better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping. Together, we'll explore what's weighing on you, identify strengths that may have been overlooked, and build practical tools that support healing, resilience, and meaningful personal growth. My goal is to help you feel more confident, empowered, and capable of navigating life's challenges while creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Ana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) clinician at 816 Counseling Services, serving clients throughout Missouri and Kansas via telehealth. She works with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, relationship struggles, and emotional overwhelm. Ana’s approach is warm, supportive, and relationship-centered, helping clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change while building healthier connections and practical coping skills.

Hello,

I look forward working with you as you navigate

Life’s transitions—whether in relationships, work, or health—can be challenging. Together, we’ll navigate these changes and uncover new possibilities for growth and peace.

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.

Hey there, I’m Karen, a licensed clinical social worker (LSCSW) who brings warmth and humor to our therapy sessions, fostering a strong, trusting relationship as the foundation for pursuing your goals. Through my telehealth practice, I support adults in Kansas navigating personal challenges, life obstacles, and mental health concerns. I personalize my approach with each client, helping them uncover new possibilities and create meaningful emotional change.

I specialize in working with adults navigating hurdles like ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, self-esteem, and relationship issues, plus other emotional and mental health concerns. Whether you’re managing stress or seeking personal development, I offer education and skills to support your journey of growth. I especially enjoy assisting clients who come across as overly blunt or harsh, guiding them to refine their communication to connect more effectively while staying authentic.

My communication style is authentic, playful, and direct, paired with a splash of humor. I cultivate a space where you can explore and share freely. With thoughtful observation and clear communication, I notice what’s often overlooked and encourage honest dialogue.

I help you reach your goals by customizing therapy to fit you. I share analogies and relatable stories to bring clarity. I empower you to tap into your values, strengths, and passions to grow with integrity. By viewing emotions as messengers, not problems, I offer coping skills to manage them in a healthy way, giving you tools to find calm and achieve lasting progress.

***Same day appointments may be available****

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https://spruce.care/parkvillepsychiatry