Family therapy and counseling in Independence, MO

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, I’m KaMara, affectionately known as “KK.” I support children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, identity awareness, relationship concerns, work-life balance, and life transitions. After nearly two decades in healthcare operations, I expanded my work to mental and emotional well-being, drawing on personal and professional experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. I’m dedicated to helping you heal, feel, and recover.

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I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Fisk University, a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from The University of Kentucky, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Avila University. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas, Alaska, Missiouri, and Oregon, and Career and Relationship Coach in the state of Indiana. I also have a certification in Child and Adolescent therapy. My scope of practice includes: Anxiety, Bullying/School Stressors, Career & Couples Coaching, Conflict Management, Depression, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Grief/Loss, Identity Awareness, Spiritual Exploration, Suicide Prevention, Trauma, & Work/Life Balance. I specialize in mindfulness, career and life coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, child and adolescent therapy, and play therapy.

You can be successful, capable, and still feel like your mind is working against you. Anxiety may have you replaying conversations for hours, ADHD can make everyday responsibilities feel unnecessarily difficult, or obsessive thoughts may leave you questioning things you know shouldn’t need this much attention. You might also be navigating your sexuality, feeling caught between who you are and what your family expects, or noticing depression pulling you away from relationships and things you once enjoyed. I work with adults, teens, couples, and families who want to understand why these patterns keep happening instead of simply learning to tolerate them. You deserve a space where your identity and experiences are understood without judgment. Together, we’ll work toward feeling more comfortable with yourself and more connected to the people who matter to you.

If you're dealing with anxiety that won't let up, a life change that's left you off-balance, or relationship tension that keeps getting in the way — I can help. After 10 years as a school social worker in St. Louis, I know what it looks like when people are overwhelmed, and what it actually takes to move through it. Today I work with adults navigating similar territory: the pressure that builds quietly, the transitions that feel harder than expected, the moments in relationships that leave you stuck. My focus is on making therapy practical, grounded, and worth your time.

Stephanie Barkley graduated from Saint Louis University with a doctorate in medical family therapy. She has been practicing for 15+ years. She uses modalities that deconstruct patterns preventing you from reaching your full potential. Her counseling sessions will help you reconnect with yourself and the present moment and make yourself and your relationships priorities again.