Find a therapist in Topeka, KS — covered by insurance

I have over six years of clinical experience working with individuals navigating burnout, anxiety, faith crises, perfectionism, identity questions, depression, sexual concerns, and non-traditional relationships. I co-developed Self-Determined Relationship Therapy to bring together the most effective parts of proven models — EFT, Gottman, IBCT, ACT, IFS, and more — and adapt them to fit you, instead of fitting you to any single model. People are a lot like plants — a shade plant doesn't struggle in direct sunlight because it's broken, but because it's in the wrong conditions.

I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist with additional formal research and supervisory training. I've been in my own dark spots. That's part of why this work matters to me.

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 believe therapy works best when you feel understood, respected, and never judged. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you develop skills that you can use outside of our sessions rather than simply talking through problems week after week. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps people respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful action toward the life they want to build.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, or overwhelming stress, my goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what you're experiencing and feel supported as we work toward lasting change. I strive to balance compassion with directness, offering both validation and practical strategies to help you move forward in a way that aligns with your values.

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.

Hello! My name is Zachary! I am happy you visited my profile. Before you begin browsing, I just want to say you are strong and you have incredible power in you to journey towards healing. I believe in your success and your potential.

I received my Bachelor of Arts at Goshen College and my Master of Social Work at Andrews University. I am a LCSW in Indiana, LISW-S in Ohio, and a LSCSW in Kansas.

I have experience in care management and facilitation, providing counseling to juveniles on probation, delivering therapy to those who have been court ordered, doing home-based clinical services, implementing and administering Family Centered Treatment© to families, hospice social work, community mental health, certified clinical behavioral health clinics, conducting counseling to geriatric and SPMI populations, as well as telehealth.

I have been working as a therapist for the past four years and have prior experience working in the child welfare system, as well as working as a school social worker. I enjoy working with pre-teens, teens, and adults.