Therapists in Kansas City, MO

My clinical background in Mental Health began as an undergrad and continued through grad school, working for the public sector for the Department of Children & Families where I worked with children, then the elderly in skilled nursing facilities and with adolescents in group homes. I then went on to work as a Nurse Navigator and provided services that included counseling and advocacy for oncology patients at one of the largest cancer hospitals in South Florida. In addition to this, I have also worked with adults in inpatient rehab for substance abuse and court ordered treatment, and served outpatient clients in the LGBTQ community.

Life is a journey and we are always evolving. Self reflection and professional support for growth is my ideal client. We heal within relationships and I will walk beside clients to help them improve their overall wellness. Together, we can address social, emotional and behavioral health issues, as well as strengths and mapping out how you plan to create your ideal life. They are working to heal for themselves and their families and become their favorite version of themselves.

My clients find it empowering to not just talk about a problem but also to create ways of coping through learning new skills and allowing new perspectives. I help clients who want to be truly authentic. Sexuality and the pursuit of our sexual health is important as we strive to integrate our expression into our relationships. I help individuals incorporate their true selves into their relationships. My specialties are sexual problems, issues of sexual identity/orientation, consensual non-monogamy, out of control sexual behavior more commonly known as sex or porn addiction.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you want to find solutions leading to greater peace of mind and contentment? I provide you a compassionate, safe environment to speak freely about your unique situation. Although we can address together any life issue, my specialties include couples counseling, premarital preparation for marriage, caregiver stress, and grief therapy. I can also teach you mindfulness techniques to handle daily stress and bring clarity of thought. Tinnitus can be treated, too. Having studied world religions, I can help you use your religious and spiritual beliefs to facilitate your life journey, regardless of your path.

If you are a human person looking to improve and understand your experiences with living, I am here to help. Whether this is your first experience with counseling or you are well-seasoned in the ways of talk therapy, I'm glad you are exploring the idea. Counseling can and will help work through things like depression, anxiety, trauma, body image issues, relationship concerns, general dissatisfaction with life, and numerous other bumps in the road.

I sincerely trust in an individual’s ability to heal, even from profound pain and trauma, and have dedicated my professional life to guiding patients through some of the most challenging times of their lives. My practice focuses on intimacy and reproductive well-being, as well as a wide range of psychological concerns, including: anxiety, recovery following illness or medical trauma, relationship concerns, and grief. I also make it a sincere priority to provide a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA community. My website presents a great deal of information about sexual therapy, simply because it is often omitted from healing, sadly.

Spring time is here a time for clearing and shedding away the old narratives that keep us stuck in the past. Are you ready to release and let go of the trauma, anxiety, unworthiness, depression, loneliness? Trauma lives in the body you are worthy of healing, renewal and restoration in the mind, body and spirit. I will inspire you to feel it and heal it and carry the shift toward becoming fully present and alive in self-love. You will learn the ancient transformative power of emboded presence, peace and practice. I will teach you the powerful science-based practices for increasing the neural pathways of happiness. Spring forward.

We are not meant to live life alone, but rather deeply involved in relationships. Some of these relationships are highly successful, while others have come with great loss, significant struggle or just the every day difficulty of learning to live and enjoy life with another person. I believe in the value of working through personal problems in the context of building stronger relationships. I will help you work through this on a personal level or with whomever you are needing to have a restored relationship with.

I possess the magic, quick fix for it all - nah, if only. As a lifetime therapy participant myself, I know this path isn't comfy, easy, or for those who aren't truly invested in relief or long-term change. So, I specialize in making that investment less daunting. I empower people to live authentically & conquer challenges from their past, present + future — so they can live life without all that pesky self-doubt, uncertainty, low self-worth, etc. In addition to life transitions, mood disorders, trauma, and grief/loss, I also specialize in perinatal mental health, people-pleasers, & over-thinkers.

Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and KS board-approved clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances or losses.

I believe that all humans have a resilient spirit which allows them to overcome any obstacle before them. Sometimes we forget who we are or perhaps we never fully knew. Maybe we felt we were never able to be our authentic selves. It's possible we think there's something wrong with us or we're broken. Or is it that we struggle to manage mental health symptoms and we become emotionally deregulated and filled with shame? Maybe you think that you have gone to far and there is no hope for you. You are not alone. I have helped countless people with stories like these and many more. What ever it is that is holding you back, I can help.

It is my belief that seeking help is the first indication that you are motivated and ready to make changes in your life. My purpose here is to partner with you, while empowering you, as you move through the process of change. I will help you learn to think about and address your problems in a healthier manner. Sometimes it takes the help of a mental health professional to help you take an objective look at your circumstances and empower you so that you can take the first step necessary to make those changes.

I am currently only accepting new clients for Assessments (ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders, etc). Do you feel stuck, or at an impasse in your current life? Perhaps the use of a substance or a behavior has become a larger piece of your life than you wanted it to. It could be that anxiety or depression have kept you from achieving what you want, or being who you want to be. Maybe you’ve had a change in your life that’s been difficult to handle. Perhaps your child/teen is having difficulty at home or in school. I have experience working with clients of all ages, and tailor my approach to each individual.

My heart and passion has always been with helping others. I have knowledge in working with individuals, couples, and families facing life's challenges. I am skilled at assisting people with work stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic loss through accident or violence. Many types of stress can move silently but painfully through our lives, I have the knowledge to introduce healthy coping skills, reduction of anxiety, and conflict resolution. During these times knowing who we are, caring for ourselves and others is more important than ever. I'm here for those living the daily effects of racial trauma.

Do you feel alone, and like no one cares? I care about you and your well being. I want to help you win against the struggles you are facing. You are capable of more than you think and I want to bring out the best in you. I am confident that i can help you. I want to be a shoulder to lean on emotionally as well as to cry on. I love working with new people, of all differences, and diversities. Given the chance, I would love to serve and care for you in your time of need.

I have experience working with many areas, including anxiety, depression, any of life's necessary adjustments, marriage and family concerns, and more. I appreciate when a client is willing to consider new ideas, to practice what we've worked on together, and to implement those new ideas into practice in day to day life. My ideal client is a collaborative individual, excited for new perspective and willing to meet those challenges head on. Tell me what you think! We are partners through this process together.

Do you ever feel like it is you against the world? Or wonder if there is anyone “in your corner”? This world can throw all sorts of difficulties our way and sometimes it is helpful to know you are not alone in the fight. Those difficulties may present with symptoms of depression, anxiety, fear, worthlessness, addiction, trauma, negative thinking, or loss. I understand how tempting it is to give up the fight, but I also know the joyful victory that comes with healing and freedom. I am holding hope for you even if, right now, you are not able to hope for yourself. I believe there is abundant life and wholeness for YOU!

Caroline focuses on the impact of life's later chapters when working with seniors, their adult children, and caregivers. She works with clients 18 and over to recognize and develop personal strengths, process grief, navigate life's twists and turns, and provide support in healing generational wounds. Caroline works with individuals, couples and families to address, conflict, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, neurodivergence, healthcare hurdles, long-standing mental health challenges, or new symptoms. Her approach is grounded in curiosity, comfort, kindness, and clarity.

Are feelings of sadness, anxiety, stress, or confusion overwhelming you during this challenging phase of life? It's important to recognize that these emotions are common, and seeking help is a positive step. If you're dissatisfied with your current situation and uncertain about the way forward, I'm here to lend an understanding ear. Remember, therapy holds the promise of hope. My commitment lies in fostering self-awareness, hope, and clarity for those I work with. As a licensed psychologist, I extend my services to clients in Missouri, Virginia, Illinois, and Florida through telehealth services.