I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. After almost 30 years of serving children, adults, families, and couples in a traditional Counseling practice in SW Missouri, I discovered that my client's really could get "Better Help" through this 24/7 online forum. Transitioning my entire practice to the "Better Help" platform says a lot about me as a therapist. Simply put, I am open to state of the art therapy. Whatever is "best for my clients" defines my practice. *In case you would like to read more about my considerations for making this major shift in my practice, I have included that information in a section following this introduction. Clinically, I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help my clients effectively address life challenges. I offer a highly-personalized approach tailored specifically to each of client's immediate needs and life vision. With professional expertise and life experience, I help individuals, couples, and families build on their strengths to bring peace to their lives. Rather than "just listening", I offer options for changing what is no longer working. I listen without judgement and I guide with state-of-the-art clinical accuracy. I generally offer a menu of ideas rather than absolute answers to help my clients personalize their journey. I teach therapeutic techniques to help my clients master their goals, and I believe, with all the tools and techniques available in the mental health field today, individuals can learn to cope with issues that bring them to therapy and when ready for personal growth, they can envision and create for themselves their best life from where they are at any given moment. I will add here that I enjoy my work as a Counselor now as much as when I first began my career.... mostly because I've come to realize there are real answers for real life problems and it is my distinct pleasure to help my clients find the answers that work for their lives. Personally, I believe in and encourage my clients to adopt "The Power of Positive Thinking,, which helps them to deliberately create their lives according to their life vision. I find a way to apply this principle to almost every life challenge. I am known for helping others recover, re-build, and rejuvenate their lives . Above all, I focus individuals and couples on "unconditional love and acceptance and on positive regard and mutual respect. I am especially recognized for my work in the areas of: LGBTQ+ Issues Depression and Anxiety in relationships Marriage/Relationship Resolution *Family Friendly Parenting Extended Family Issues Bereavement Healing wounds of infidelity Recovery from domestic victimization Life Transitions (physical; emotional; spiritual; career; geographical; etc)LGBTQ+ Issues Depression and Anxiety Marriage/Relationship Resolution *Family Friendly Parenting Extended Family Issues Bereavement Healing Childhood Trauma Recovery from Sexual Victimization Life Transitions I specialize in "The Power of Positive Thinking, and believe in life restructuring through "the art of deliberate creation". I teach my clients how they can apply these principles to almost every life-challenge. I am known for helping others recover, re-build, and rejuvenate their lives. Above all, I focus my clients on "Self-Love and Acceptance". From this vantage point, all of life's best becomes possible. Couples can mend the hurts that stand between them and the happiness they seek. Parents can grow deeper relationships with their children, and individuals can "Deliberately Create" the life they desire. So log-in, settle into your easy chair, and click "Work with Me". I am right here to take that first life-changing step with you. Gail *WHY I SHIFTED FROM TRADITIONAL PRACTICE TO ON-LINE: A few considerations for choosing the Better Help platform for my clients include the amenities of the 24/7 message page allows for on-going therapy between live sessions. The "journal option" makes it possible for my clients to easily do their personal work and then share it with me if they choose, or keep it private otherwise. The menu of session modes meets each client at their comfort level and availability. My clients can select for phone or live chat or video on a session by session basis. There is a library of worksheets and information available to therapists that are beneficial to my clients. Plus, my clients can print or upload their messages and worksheets and maintain their own record of their therapy experience. These are all amenities generally beyond the scope of traditional therapy, and is the reason I selected "Better Help" for my clients. Gail

Seasoned and clinically licensed social work practitioner with demonstrated track record of successfully working with diverse client populations including families, individuals, and couples who are facing challenging situations. With nearly twenty years of experience as a social worker in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health, special education, and the United States Army. Extensive experience with completing comprehensive psychosocial assessments, special needs populations, challenging behaviors, depression, anxiety, parenting and family crisis, post traumatic stress disorder, and severe and persistent mental illness. Expertise in collaboratively supporting clients toward goal oriented treatment outcomes; helping clients put their thoughts and feelings into words, without the fear of criticism or judgement. Guiding clients to a better understanding and possibly a different perspective of their life circumstances. Life can be challenging, everyday stress such as relationship issues, job stress, and time management conflicts can become overwhelming and impact living a fulfilled life. Consistent counseling, healthy relationships, stress management, avoiding toxic relationships, and compassion are integral in developing different patterns of behavior and belief structures that impact skills needed to change current experiences of depression, anxiety, and conflict. Demonstrated expertise in collaboratively supporting and training building-based teams to develop and implement individualized data based programs for students with disabilities including challenging behaviors and mental health concerns. A university based guest speaker and presenter for ongoing community training and school district professional learning communities, Crisis Prevention Institute trainer, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer. Cathy's passions include her family, travel, and veteran's causes. She is an active mother to four very active children ranging from 11 to 18; she is personally familiar with life's challenges through milestones that impact families, parents, and children.

I began private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1991, helping people find their individual voice within themselves and their relationships. My work with people is relational and focuses on the thoughts, beliefs, and patterns in thinking that cause us distress in our daily lives. I work with individuals to explore how they have adapted to life and what works, as well as what no longer serves them. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Missouri. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations for over 20 years. I graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a Master in Social Work. I have been working as an Independent Therapist in private practice and group practice settings as well as in a corporate environment which has broaden my understanding of work related stressors.

Hello- I have been a licensed LPC counselor in Missouri for the past five years and was recently licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Maine, and Virginia. Working with individuals, families, and couples has provided me with the ability to assist individuals throughout many aspects of their lives. I have had training in DBT, CBT, EMD-R and continue to grow my therapeutic knowledge through self-training and through clinical training. I have had the pleasure of working in many different fields throughout my life time and feel this has provided me with the ability to look at situations from a variety of different perspectives. I firmly believe that when a person makes the choice to make changes in their life then they are on the path to becoming who they want to be. I look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with determining who you want to be. Thank you, Savannah Harness, LPC

Hello and welcome! My name is Monica Kale and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. Throughout my Social Work career I have had the privilege to work with individuals from all walks of life. I have experience working in various settings providing services to individuals with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideations, self harm, grief/loss, relationship issues, life stressors, and life transitions. I have experience providing individual, group, and family therapy. I am EMDR Trained. I utilize various treatment approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and a strengths based approach. I individualize my therapeutic approach to best assist each individual. I strive to empower each individual and to develop a collaborative therapeutic working relationship while meeting each individual right where they are. It takes strength to seek out support to achieve the visions you have for your life . When you are ready to make these visions a reality I am here and look forward to working with you!

Hello, my name is Michael Cotter. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have over 7 years of professional counseling experience as well as another 8 years of paraprofessional experience in helping people achieve the change they desire. I currently work in the field of addictions and have for the past 7 years. I work not only with those who are struggling with addiction but also the other related problems it creates. This includes depression, anxiety, bi-polar, self-esteem, loneliness, abuse, stress, and family related problems. I am also a certified trauma specialist who is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma (CPT), and hold a Medication Assisted Recovery Specialist certificate as well. I have a long story of overcoming my own struggles in life and personally understand just how hard it can be to reach out for help. I meet people where they are, walk through the struggle of change with them no matter how long it takes, and above all never judge anyone for where they are in life or how they got there. I offer client centered solution focused counseling that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, existentialism, and motivational interviewing.

I am passionate about assisting with the healing of individuals, families, and communities challenged by substance use disorders and mental health conditions. My mission is to promote client’s growth and development, with regard to both personal characteristics and interpersonal competencies. Through individual, couples, and group psychotherapy, persons may come to appreciate the uniqueness of their personalities and discover new ways to develop their potential. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact me. I am here for you!

I am licensed professional counselor in Missouri with nine years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is your first step in leading a more healthy and purposeful life.

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Missouri with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence and a variety of mental health conditions. I work with both adults and adolescents and I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment or loss of confidentiality. The only time that confidentiality will be broken is if you are becoming a danger to yourself or others. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas and have been in the social service field for over 15 years. My general practice includes a focus on depression and anxiety disorders or everyday life stressors. I specialize in: •Multiculturalism/Diversity •Grief/Loss •Interpersonal/Relationship issues (Couples) •Family/Child Development •Mind, Body, Soul •Traumatic situations (PTSD)/Disasters •Women Issues •LGBT or Questioning •Assessment/Diagnosis and Referral to Psychiatry I am a mulit-specialty provider seeing clients of all ages, with all types of concerns and problems. As a leading provider of counseling services, I take pride in offering the best therapeutic techniques and a comforting environment that allows you to express yourself. I am dedicated to serving the needs of my clients each and every day. I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve the growth they long for. I have extensive experience working as a school counselor, domestic abuse, substance abuse, and juvenile/adult criminal justice system with crisis intervention. I combine Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused , and Family Systems theory into an eclectic approach while introducing healthy coping skills to facilitate positive change.

I am licensed in Missouri with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Missouri with more than 25 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support, validate, & empower you in your journey.

I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Ms. Garafola received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas Woman's University and earned her Master's degree in Mental Health and Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her Associate's degree in Nutrition from Tarrant County College. Over the past ten years, she has had the opportunity to work with seniors and their families in a myriad of settings to include end of life issues, chronic illness, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver issues and aging parents. Ms. Garafola practices client-centered philosophy, utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. She believes in developing a non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship with each client in order to provide guidance in discovering qualities and strengths, tools, and skills they can use in maneuvering life's challenges. Ms. Garafola's happy place is the beach has relocated from Texas to Florida where she lives with her husband and 15 year old pup Lola. Spending time outside in the sunshine biking and gardening are activities of choice, as well as dining out, shopping, traveling, and family vacations with her adult children. She is active in her church as well as her husband's vacation property business.