Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Independence, MO

I'm passionate about helping women navigate the unique challenges they face. I understand the pressures of balancing multiple roles, the impact of societal expectations, and the importance of self-care. I strive to create a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. During our initial sessions, I'll listen to and understand your story. I want to know what brings you here, your hopes, and your concerns. I'll explore your history, current challenges, and strengths. This comprehensive understanding helps me tailor my approach to your specific needs. Together, we'll establish realistic and achievable goals.

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.

My ideal client is someone ready to make a change that propels them to their next chapter in life. I believe that my clients most value my ability to remain optimistic while keeping a firm grasp on reality. We all want to reach the highest levels of self actualization, but if your anxiety, depression, or ADHD are making it hard to complete daily living tasks that may feel out of reach. My diverse experience helps me accurately empathize with a variety of life issues. I have previously worked as a primary grade teacher, residential eating disorder treatment, and assisting a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD treatment for adults.

I am an empathetic, patient, and inclusive therapist with a passion for helping others that are going through difficult transitions in life and experiencing hardships. My foundation is based on establishing trust and providing a safe and accepting space for open communication to build a strong therapeutic alliance. I collaborate with clients to improve their emotional quality of life, develop their capacity to handle life’s stressors and mental health concerns. My counseling style is diversified, integrating person-centered, psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive-behavioral, and existential therapy into counseling sessions.

I am passionate about helping adults of all ages struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive behaviors. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds, including neurodivergent and those who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Could you benefit from having a realistic, relaxed therapist who can help you achieve your goals to live your life to the fullest? Nice to meet you! I am an LCSW in the state of Missouri and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.