Therapists in Merriam, KS

Sometimes things happen that profoundly change the way we experience life. Whether expected or not, life transitions can leave us feeling anxious, angry, alone, or depressed. These changes can come in many forms, including the loss of a loved one, infertility, a divorce or break up, job changes, chronic illness, leaving home, etc. My goal is to help you process the many emotions that accompany the adjustments in your life and discover new strengths and experiences that come along with it. Give me a call to embrace your new day.

Do you feel like an imposter and struggle with your self-esteem? People think you have it all together, but have no idea how much you struggle. You want to live an authentic life but are unsure where to start. You don't have to figure this out alone! I work with perfectionist, high achieving people with a harsh inner critic, adults raised to be caregivers before they should have had to care for themselves, having a hard time relaxing, connecting or enjoying the life they've worked so hard to build. Also, those navigating life transitions, relationships, new diagnosis, caring for aging partents and weight loss.

Anxiety, grief and shame are feelings that you do not have to feel alone. Through my therapeutic approach, tailored for your unique situation, to help experience the transforming power of change. I believe every person is created to be self-confident and emotionally whole. I treat individuals to strengthen your relationships and improve quality of life.

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.

I believe that everyone has the ability to change, to grow, to learn, and to feel better. I know how hard it can be to seek therapy services and I want to help you navigate this step so that you can feel healthier and happier. If you are seeking help with making life changes, learning how to more effectively cope with mental health, relationship struggles, trauma(s), substances, your self worth, managing life adjustments, or letting go of the past I can help you.

As a mental health professional, I am here to walk with you into the unknown, to listen to your experiences, life changes, tragedies and joys and to listen without judgement. Whether you feel stuck from trauma, anger, navigating career changes, life stage changes, grief or relationship matters I will work with you to find recovery utilizing your strengths and support system. I believe in a fully holistic view of identifying mental health issues that may cause or compound physical ailments and work to release emotions that may cause pain.

My individual therapy sessions offer personalized support to help you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in the Kansas City Metro area or virtual meetings from anywhere in Kansas, I am here to help you on your journey to well-being. Areas of Focus: Individual therapy for those 12 and older experiencing betrayal, difficult past experiences, stress management, relationship concerns, grief and loss (pets included), or feeling of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, loneliness, overwhelm, numbness, worry, fear, nervousness, panic, irritability, restlessness, dread, agitation, or tension.

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, 3 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, National Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and 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/losses. Full bio on website!

Taking the step to connect with a therapist requires significant strength and I'm happy to assist with your therapy journey. As a provider I strive to diversify each therapeutic relationship based on your needs every session. My goal in providing services is to build coping skills, strengths, and promote behavioral change that lead you towards the values and goals you have for yourself. This includes creating a safe, warm, inclusive, and judgement free space that promotes openness and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. We can work together to process life challenges and build skills you can maintain outside of therapy.

My overall therapy style I would say is casual. I like to work as a team when working with people. I know it is difficult to open up and tell someone all about yourself, especially the things that are troubling you. It takes pure courage and I deeply respect that. I have over 10 years of experience working with Veteran’s from 22 to 82 years of age. I have worked with complex cases such as PTSD, Depression, Grief, Brain Injury and Anxiety. I have also helped individuals with relationship issues, self-care, and self-esteem. I know that we can tackle your problems by setting and reaching your goals together.

My therapeutic style is ideal for clients looking to reconnect with themselves on all levels. Clients should come curious about identifying emotional and psychological blocks, as well as where trauma, tension, anxiety, or depression is stored in the physical body. I specialize in treating people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, illness, death, sexual assault survivors, and bi-polar. I frequently work with women who are trying to stabilize their body and mind after childbirth, trauma, or menapause. All are welcome.

Life can often feel painful, overwhelming and lonely. If you are feeling emotionally disconnected from your spouse or partner, struggling with feelings of sadness and anxiety, or suffering from past wounds, I am committed to helping you find balance and restoration. I am experienced in working with individuals, couples and families in all stages of life to foster individual healing, repair and strengthen relationships, and help shed the effects of abuse, loss, and other traumas. My goal is to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for you to process and grow, enabling you to live life with fullness and meaning.

Ellie Mental Health of Overland Park, KS is dedicated to filling the gaps in mental health access by creating genuinely inclusive environments that warmly embrace the diversity of our communities. Our unwavering commitment is to utilize all available resources to ensure equitable well-being outcomes for everyone. Within Ellie, a team of highly skilled therapists with diverse specialties and clinical expertise is available to cater to the unique needs of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

I work with individuals, couples and families on such issues as relationship issues, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication enhancement, anger management, drug/alcohol abuse and addiction. Many clients present with depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, psychotic disorders, ADHD, childhood disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, etc. I work with adults and couples on relationship/marital issues, domestic violence, etc. I work with clients who have experienced abuse, both sexual and physical. I assist parents with parent-child relational issues and behavior modification skill development. I also assist clients with anxiety disorders, grief/loss issues and struggles with adjusting to life circumstances.

When words just aren't enough, try action methods! With a supportive mentoring approach, I try to provide a person centered philosophy - fitting the latest best researched helping methods to the person and their issues, so that feeling better happens as quickly and painlessly as possible. Individuals of all ages are welcome. This special site and service is for potential psychotherapy clients and other professionals only. Please do not solicit through Psych Today. Contact by email is most helpful - which expresses your name, concerns & contact information. Calling Psych Today only gives us a phone number and no further information.

Are you tired of striving to find happiness in your relationships? Do you long to feel secure, peaceful or confident? Do you struggle to find the kind of relationships where you can thrive? Or maybe you struggle with low self esteem, maintaining boundaries or pleasing others to the point you find yourself resenting others? If you said yes, then consider taking the step to learn to care for yourself so you can have the success and relationships you want. Or if you think your loved one might have an eating disorder please call. If your anxiety or traumatic experiences are interfering -call me.

Shadow has a masters in Clinical Psychology and is board certified as a Licensed Master Level Psychologist in the state of Kansas; with certification in Crisis prevention, suicide intervention, and counseling on access to lethal means. She takes a strong person centered approach with a combination of self-compassion and intentional action to reflect on your decision-making and inspire growth and change in your day-to-day lives and relationships.

Don’t continue doing life closed off and disconnected. Open yourself up to connection and find the peace you’ve been needing. I want to help, but more importantly, I want to point you back to you. You don’t deserve to keep living in the dark. There is hope for all the parts of you.

I am currently only accepting new clients for Assessments (ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism, 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.