Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Independence, MO covered by United Healthcare

I am curious and validating, providing a nurturing environment to talk openly and honestly about your struggles, strengths, weaknesses, needs, likes, and dislikes. I love helping people explore their unique and particular powers as well as how these powers impact their world and their relationships. As a passionate supporter of those who have been through unjust or otherwise traumatic experiences--including those experiencing discrimination based upon race or gender identity or sexual orientation--I am particularly interested in helping people gain skills for dealing with, and making sense of, the remnants of their pasts.

Having completed Bessel Van der Kolk's Trauma Research Foundation's Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies in early 2025, I have a strong foundational understanding of the most cutting edge approaches to treating trauma. I am also comfortable using a combination of approaches, including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I received an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, a psychodynamically focused program, after which I completed Bryn Mawr's certificate program in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I have also completed 1 year of Gestalt Therapy training and the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Immersion Program.

As an LCSW, my training emphasized the role of social environment--from the family to society at large--in how we construct our narratives, enabling me to help you make sense of what in your life is yours to own and what is a product of your environment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a decade of experience in psychiatric social work as well as hospital based social work. I have experience with intimate partner violence support, refugee and immigrant work, and end-of-life care. I am passionate about helping people through periods of life transitions such as becoming a new parent, caregiving for an aging parent, and processing grief and bereavement. I am an open-minded ally with passion for social justice and healing.

Katie Gerwel has spent over a decade supporting children and their mental health needs in the school setting. Katie is a person-centered therapist who meets the needs of the child and family to help them grow and thrive. She has experience and training in cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused techniques.

Mareayna is a licensed therapist with 7 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and stress management. With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Webster, she employs evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, to empower clients on their healing journeys. Fostering a warm, supportive environment, helps individuals navigate their emotions and develop effective coping strategies for lasting well-being.

I offer Telehealth services. I provide a practical approach to therapy that focuses on integrating mind and body connection. I believe the best way to heal is to embrace our uniqueness and live from a place of creativity. I work with my clients on how to self-regulate, trust their intuition, and release trauma in the body so they can make room for more life!

I believe therapy should be a place where you feel genuinely heard, supported, and accepted. Whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, parenting challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed, my goal is to help you discover your strengths and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, student athletes, and adults. I have advanced training as a Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH C) clinician through Postpartum Support International and as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I also have specialized training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT).

I enjoy helping children build confidence, emotional regulation skills, and resilience. I also have a passion for supporting individuals during pregnancy and postpartum, helping new and expecting parents navigate the emotional challenges that can accompany this season of life. For young adults and student athletes, I provide support for managing stress, performance pressure, relationships, identity, and life transitions.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Indiana, Florida, and Missouri. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Ball State University and my Master of Social Work from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). My professional experience includes working in schools, hospice care, psychiatric hospitals, and private practice, allowing me to support clients across a wide range of life experiences.

No matter what brings you to therapy, I strive to create a welcoming space where you can feel safe, understood, and empowered.