Grief counselors and therapists in Overland Park, KS

I earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University in 2019, but my path here didn't start in a classroom — it started in Human Resources, where I spent years helping people navigate conflict, communication breakdowns, and the messy dynamics that come with any close relationship. Turns out, those same skills translate pretty directly to couples work.

The decision to seek counseling can be overwhelming. Finding the right fit and feeling like you are in a safe space can sometimes be a challenge. My goal as a therapist is to create a place where clients feel empowered, secure, and seen. I utilize an integrative counseling approach which allows me to tailor your treatment to your unique needs.

I work with clients of all ages and in all seasons of life. Especially those clients with ADHD or those who may be dealing with relationship issues, lack of self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. My top priority is providing clients with the best therapy experience possible as they work toward their personal goals.

You already took the first step toward the best version of yourself. I would be honored to walk with you on the journey toward a better, healthier you.

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Self-Care Coach, and founder of Rise Up Resiliency Center LLC. Growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, with parents who faced substance use challenges, I bring a unique blend of empathy, personal insight, and professional expertise to my practice. My passion lies in working with individuals, couples, and groups, especially women, teens, and marginalized communities, to help them build resilience and achieve personal growth.

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.

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.

If you’re feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, trauma, mood shifts, or ADHD symptoms and wondering whether medication could help, you’re not alone. I work with teens and adults navigating mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and stress-related challenges.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my mix of medical expertise and genuine compassion. With a background in both psychiatry and intensive medical care, I understand how closely the mind and body are connected. My goal is to make care accessible and consistent, which is why I offer flexible scheduling and telehealth appointments.

In our first sessions, we’ll review your history, clarify your symptoms, and determine whether medication is appropriate. If it is, we’ll build a treatment plan that feels realistic, evidence-based, and aligned with your goals and overall health.

Outside of work, I find balance through yoga, comedy, time with my dog, and enjoying sunny days — reminders that healing comes from both steady progress and moments of joy.

I started out working in college sports as a trainer and eventually began consulting with athletes and coaches after graduate school. My career path later took me through 10 years with an ambulance service, 2 years as a community service officer and 4 years as a crisis counselor embedded with a police department. I've also spent a considerable amount of time teaching psychology as a college professor. Because of this rather unique skill set, I have a heart for athletes, rescue workers and students.