Therapists in Independence, MO

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.

Welcome and let's get started! I'm glad you are here. Life can be stressful, uncertain, even painful. Maybe you are hopeful things will change, have little support, or out of options. Over time, stress can negatively affect one's health, well-being, and outlook. It takes courage to try again. Whatever you are going through, I welcome you. You are worth it. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT); a Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRAADC); and a Medication Assisted Recovery Specialist; (MARS). I also hold two national post-masters' credentials: Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I stay current on the latest evidenced-based treatments and protocols. I have a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara and a BA in English Literature from UCSB. Individuals, couples, families, children and Supervisees. I have extensive experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, relational trauma, ADHD, family dynamics, and addiction (chemical and process). Previous positions include director of a local counseling center; women's program director at a faith-based residential treatment center; primary therapist at a hospital; 28-day residential treatment center counselor, and case manager with Substance Abuse Treatment Court (SATC). My approach is to cultivate safety for the foundation of our work. My style is warm, attentive, & non-judgmental. Through assessments, discussions, and mutually agreed-upon goals, I tailor an individualized treatment plan. Together, we discuss the plan and if agreed upon, move forward, staying attuned to levels of motivation, and mindful of your pace. You can have a life worth living. Your individualized plan reflects an integration of treatment models, which allows for drawing from a menu of treatment options to best serve the client and specific needs. I use CBT; DBT; EMDR; Motivational Interviewing, faith-based counseling; MARS; TF-CBT; Exposure Therapy; play therapy; Sandplay; family systems; and Clinical Supervision. You've taking a valuable step towards bettering your life today. Feel free to contact me for more information. I typically check messages every 1 -2 hours during the day. I return messages within the hour, with the exception of Tuesday afternoons. I am looking forward to meeting you!

I am a firm believer that everybody can benefit from counseling, whether you find yourself in the depths of despair or are just wanting some mental health maintenance. And I'd be happy to support you along your mental health journey. I'm a licensed psychologist in two states (Missouri and Mississippi) and have experiences providing mental health services to adults in a range of settings, including outpatient clinics, medical and psychiatric hospitals, college counseling centers, and even state and federal prisons. I most strongly identify with the cognitive-behavioral orientation of therapy, which is to say that I think problematic beliefs, attitudes, and thinking patterns are a major reason why people experience mental health problems. So, a major focus in my work with clients is identifying and changing those problematic cognitions. I also believe we, as humans, are "hard-wired" to be part of a social group, and so interpersonal relationships and interactions are often a major focus in my work with clients as well. However, I believe one of the most important factors for a person to make positive change in counseling is the relationship between the counselor and the client. I strive to create the best working relationship as possible with each client by being as genuine and empathic as possible. I've been described as a particularly warm and friendly person, and even though counseling can be serious business, I use humor to bond with clients and help them feel more comfortable in the counseling setting. In the end, change can only come from you - the client. I see my role as a counselor to help you clarify your goals, stay motivated, build insight, and develop skills you can use to be happier throughout the rest of your life!

Let’s just say life is overwhelming. Overwhelming due to moving, career and relationship changes, education, physical/mental health goals… Life Is A LOT. With 15 years of experience as a behaviorist and 5 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor we can work together to break your life into bite sized, manageable pieces. Being an open minded and approachable person, my goal is to create a comfortable, receptive space for you to explore yourself and the life you have. Using cognitive behavior theories to increase awareness of self, we can work together to identify your strengths and talents and use them more effectively. My background in working with those during major life transitions, such as mental health crisis, compassion fatigue, unhealthy relationships, anxiety, depression and personality disorder, means that I can roll with you through life’s punches. Together we can break the overwhelmed feelings into understandable pieces, putting them back together into the picture you are looking for.

Hello, and welcome to my practice! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow. I am here to support you on your journey towards greater mental health and wellbeing. I have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression and relationship issues. My approach is grounded in evidence-based techniques, and I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with. I understand that seeking help can be a vulnerable and courageous step, and I honor the trust that my clients place in me. I strive to create a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship, where you can feel heard, seen and validated. Together, we will work towards your goals and help you develop the skills and insights you need to navigate life's challenges. I look forward to partnering with you on this journey towards greater wellbeing.

I am licensed in Missouri with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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. 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 5 years of professional work experience. I like to help people understand themselves better and gain more control over their experience and actions. I want people to feel like they know what they're trying to accomplish and why they make the choices they make. I primarily work with IFS (Internal Family Systems) and mindfulness techniques. I'd love to help you reach your goals and feel like you're in control of your own choices.

I am licensed in Missouri with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I have worked with people experiencing physical illnesses as well as emotional difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

I am so happy you are reaching out! I am a licensed professional counselor in Missouri with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that each person has the potential and power to make changes in their lives and treat my therapy space as a chance for clients to be heard, affirmed, educated, and supported. I believe the best support comes from consistency and boundaries, as well as creating a village of support that fits who you are and what you need. I look forward to being on your mental health journey with you!

I am licensed in Missouri with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.