Grief counselors and therapists in Lawrence, KS

I earned the MSW from the University of Kansas in 2014. I have since engaged in a range of direct human and mental health service work; including in-home therapy with youth and their families connected to state child protective services; crisis therapy and case management in a short-term crisis stabilization facility; outpatient community mental health therapy including work with individuals, families or couples, and groups.

I'm Melinda Powers, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) and owner of Parlami LLC, a private psychotherapy practice in Lawrence, Kansas. I hold an MSW from Arizona State University and am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, and Nevada.

My clinical approach is trauma-informed and integrative. I'm trained in EMDR and clinical hypnotherapy and I hold ADHD Clinical Services Provider credentials. I work with individuals, couples, and families ages 15 and up, with particular specialties in trauma recovery, ADHD, and conscious uncoupling for couples navigating separation or divorce.

I believe healing happens through genuine connection, not just technique. Whether you're working through past trauma, navigating attention or focus challenges, or facing the end of a significant relationship, I bring both compassion and directness to our work together. I'll meet you where you are, but I won't let you stay stuck there if real change is possible.

Parlami means "talk to me" in Italian, and that's exactly the invitation I extend to every client: a space to be honest, be heard, and do the real work of moving forward.

My name is Marcelo Benalcazar. I am a father of four and a first generation son of two immigrants. I grew up in Topeka as a biracial/bicultural child and know all too well the feelings that come from being "different" than everyone else. In my free time I play video games (I have multiple systems and enjoy multiple genres), watch movies, read graphic novels, and LOVE all forms of music. Educationally I received my Associates Degree in Addictions Counseling from Kansas City Kansas Community College and my Bachelors and Masters from the University of Kansas where I graduated Cum Laude as an Integrated Behavioral Health Scholar. I am currently a dual licensed therapist with an LSCSW and an LMAC.

My therapy space is warm, inviting, and open which mirrors what you will experience working with me. My approach comes from a curious and compassion space to effectively help make change happen. I am a clinically licensed marriage and family therapist. I have over 5 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families.

Hi, my name is Julie Karanja, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have been in the helping profession for over 20 years and have worked at SOZO Therapy Group for more than three years. I consider it an honor to walk alongside individuals who take the brave step of beginning their therapy journey.

I enjoy supporting individuals through grief and loss, relational challenges—including betrayal trauma—and working with women and couples as they navigate their reproductive journeys. I have held a certification in Perinatal Mental Health for over five years, bringing specialized training and care to this area of my work.

Life flows from the heart, so it's worth caring for. Heart Work Therapy was born out of my own journey of facing life's challenges and discovering that healing is possible. I know firsthand that meaningful change rarely happens alone.

The compassion, resilience, and hope I've gained through my own experiences allow me to come alongside others with empathy and understanding. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, or simply feeling stuck, you don't have to carry it by yourself. My desire is to provide a safe place where you feel seen, supported, and empowered as we work together toward healing and lasting change.

For 30 years, I've worked inside schools alongside children and adolescents — as a social worker, an advocate, and someone who genuinely understands how young people think, struggle, and grow. I know what anxiety looks like in a middle schooler. I know how ADHD shows up in a classroom. And I know that the kids and families who need support deserve to get it without spending years trying to find relief.

I'm a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker — a credential I earned in November 2025, after raising two kids of my own while completing every requirement along the way. It took longer than I planned. I wouldn't change it. That experience shapes how I show up for every client.

I hold a Master's in Social Work from the University of Kansas and work as both a school social worker and a therapist, giving me a perspective on young people and families that's grounded in their real, daily lives.

I have been working as a clinician and an administrator for over 25 years. After gaining a Master's of Social Work, I worked in community mental health centers in Northern Arizona, Chicago, Missouri and Kansas. I have held roles as a case manager, therapist, clinical supervisor and an administrator overseeing operations of a community mental health center. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work at organizations across the country that focus on helping clients achieve wellness and balance in their lives. As a clinician, I am dedicated to providing personalized care to clients, and helping clients move towards wellness through the use of CBT, EMDR and other evidence based practices.

I look forward to meeting you and working with you.