LGBT therapists in Independence, MO

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.

I want to join you in building a world full of connected, alive, brave people. With over 10 years experience as a therapist, and a constant curiosity about the world, I can support you in a way that honors your worldview, provides grounded support, and clears a path for unshakable healing. I will diligently advocate for open connection with the vital parts of yourself. I am here to help you feel fully connected.

I’m Lauren Holder, M.S., P.L.P.C., and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri State University and have been practicing for over four years, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with compassion.

Hi, I'm Debbie Landis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker on KS and MO with more than 25 years of clinical practice and experience supporting children, families, and adults through life's challenges. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas and specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, and the lasting effects of childhood experiences. I believe meaningful change happens when people feel safe, heard, and accepted. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can build insight, strengthen resilience, and move toward the life you want.

I am a therapist that is focused on helping people with sex and sexuality issues. I am currently a member of AASECT (American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors , and Therapists. I am open minded, solution-oriented, and compassionate towards clients.

Welcome! First and foremost, I am honoring you for taking this step. You're ready for a change. There's a craving for deep healing on your journey towards wellness. You want to gain understanding and insight, resolve inner conflicts, improve relationships, explore unconscious patterns, and transform into the most empowered version of yourself. You may be looking for tools for self-regulation, as well as ways to integrate your mind, body, and heart. If you've been grappling with larger questions about yourself or your life and are ready to take the next step, you've come to the right place.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and compassionate, recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and culturally sensitive approaches to create a space that honors each person’s unique story and identity. I have worked in the mental health field for more than ten years, supporting adolescents, adults, and families through challenges related to mental health, challenging family dynamics, life changes, and substance use.

I work with individuals and families facing depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, identity issues, personality disorders, family conflict, and experiences related to immigration and adjustment. I also have experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and those exploring questions of belonging and self-acceptance.

I believe everyone deserves a therapeutic relationship where they are seen, heard, accepted, and celebrated—a space where they can feel supported in making the changes that matter most to them. My goal is to offer a safe and empowering environment that helps clients reconnect with their strengths and move toward meaningful change.

I believe you've been gathering crucial information throughout your life that's needed to feel peace from painful past experiences and to create a fulfilling present life. The ability to access and apply that information is where I can help. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, but the search itself says that you're using your knowledge to take charge of finding the support you need. That's empowerment. Searching also means you believe in the possibility of making changes in your life. I call that hope. Empowerment and hope are all you need to start finding a new way of being.

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.