Sex Therapists in Shawnee Mission, KS

As a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist through AASECT since 2005, I offer a dynamic and intensive relationship therapy/coaching experience. I have many years of experience diagnosing and treating a variety of sexually related issues, in addition to numerous other behavioral health issues, including mood disorders and substance abuse/addiction. I believe a therapy session is a very sacred space. I consider it a privilege to be chosen to accompany someone into that space and bear witness to their work.

I am a trauma informed, sex positive clinician that strives to improve connection between couples, provide inclusive sex education and focus on individuals reducing distress and improving their quality of life. I am passionate about assisting individuals & couples with enhancing communication, reducing conflict, set boundaries, resolve trauma, and cope effectively with all of life's stressors. As well as providing sex therapy to individuals & couples, I also have 10+ years experience providing DBT and EMDR therapy to teenage and adult clients and have a weekly DBT group for adults.

You wish your relationship and life felt more connected, authentic, and whole. You desire to show up as your best self, but find that it’s so much harder than it should be. You tell yourself that you should forgive, move on, commit; and that you should have changed already! You feel bogged down by anxiety and fear, wondering if things can really change. You hope to find deep connection and healing, and hope that therapy is the next step on your path. Let’s walk together toward the life you desire!

I want to empower you to grow into the best version of yourself while learning to connect and communicate in congruent ways. The journey to your best self will involve acknowledging emotions, cultivating self-awareness, and reaching for self-compassion. I bring experience and expertise to support you in navigating the nuances and stuck points of intimate partnerships, overcoming the challenges of infidelity, untangling communication issues, and addressing concerns related to sex, desire, and intimacy. I also have expertise in navigating life transitions, grief, trauma, divorce, anxiety, depression, and religious deconstruction.

I think we are all wired for and worthy of love and connection. Whether that is connection to ourselves or to others, I believe the desire to belong lives inside each of us. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. There can be so many places where shame, doubt, old wounds, and miscommunication disorient and disconnect us. As a therapist, I consider it a great privilege to be invited into your world and to get to partner with you as we collaboratively work through some of the things that might be keeping you stuck.

Life can often feel overwhelming. At times that feeling seems to be more than we can handle on our own. These times can be really difficult to navigate alone. When relationships that we count on fall apart, emotions get out of control, and our strategies for just feeling okay seem to do us more harm than good, reaching out to someone for help can be a powerful first step in getting things back in balance.

I am grateful to have been a part of helping so many individuals, couples, and blending families resolve their issues over the past 35 years. While the experience has honed my therapy skills, each new person or relationship is unique and requires exploring solutions that fit their individual personality.

Currently accepting new clients for relationship/couples therapy only. Online scheduling is available. Are you wanting to experience changes in your relationship, but aren't sure where to begin? Perhaps things like shame, resentment, hurt, trauma, depression, or anxiety are getting in the way of your happiness. You are worthy of feeling supported and connected as you navigate through your challenges. You don’t have to feel stuck, hopeless, or alone. I strive to support relationships of those who are seeking security and connection and aid individuals in (re)discovering their inherent worthiness.

Change is an inevitable part of life. Transitions are as natural as night and day. In nature we observe times when things move slowly without visable change - and then suddenly acceleration occurs followed by a transformation. I am a therapist/professional counselor who works with individuals ranging from childhood through late adulthood, couples, and families to assist them in finding personal growth, and work confidently through the natural transitions life brings. I recognize each client as unique and direct my counseling to the whole person; which attends to the body, mind, and spirit of each.

What is this therapy thing all about? It’s simple and hard at the same time and can be the best decision you’ll ever make for yourself. You talk, I listen. And together we open up the possibilities. We will explore what makes you you, and then decide what you want to keep and want you’d like to change. The goal is to help you feel closer to your authentic self while being able to love those around you in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Life is full of growth, transitions, and obstacles. Sometimes this can be a difficult process that requires additional support and a safe place to process it all. Together we work towards helping you identify practical goals and triggers, learn healthy coping skills, embrace personal strengths, and develop healthy boundaries. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, and sexual compulsions. I work using a trauma informed and compassion focused approach for all clients. A big part of therapy is working from where you are at. We want to create goals that are customized to what is best for you.

Through my personal and professional experiences I am equipped to see each individual, family, or couple differently than any other therapist. There is no judgment, no condemnation, and no reason to continue to deal with your situation alone. Regardless of what you are going through or what your needs are, I believe that I can help provide hope, growth, and peace. I never want the lack finances to get in the way of therapy, so please don't hesitate to contact me to see if something can be worked out to fit your needs.

Life struggles may sometimes prevent us from fully being our true selves, interfering with the hopes, dreams and wishes we have for our lives. When the weight of relationship stress, emotional discomfort, loss, life transitions, etc. leaves you feeling unbalanced or unfulfilled, you do not have to carry it alone. It is my sincerest desire to carry it with you offering a process of emotional healing, exploration and self-discovery. As we journey towards a restored sense of balance and harmony, I encourage you through your process until you feel secure, connected and can experience peace.

My ideal client is a human person living on the earth. I believe that even though the human experience is subjective and unique, there are ways to connect and heal that transcend the superficial and speak to the core essence of our humanity and our shared experience of being alive. All humans suffer trauma and even though the specific details are unique, the experience of grief and recovery have universal features that are accessible to anyone who seeks them out. I believe that all humans are equal and that everyone deserves to feel heard and seen. I am here to facilitate healing and growth in a non-judgmental and fun environment

I believe that life is about one simple thing: connections. This belief inspired the name of Connections Counseling, LLC. When we feel connected (to our true selves, intimate relationships, family, friends, career, a purpose larger than us, etc.), we tend to have positive mental well being. I believe I can aid you, no matter what mental ailments you may feel, in connecting to broken or missing attachments and obtaining a new sense of mental health through this process.

What does it mean to feel safety and connection? As individuals we strive to have our social, emotional, and physical needs met. We strive to advocate for equity with ourselves, friends, families, and societal systems. The journey towards safety and connection can be overwhelming, tiresome, and different for each person. Have you ever pondered questions like… where do I start? When was a time I felt safety and connection? Do I feel whole? If you have asked yourself or other’s the above question, you might be ready to start to find those answers for yourself.