Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Independence, MO

I believe in the power of creativity to promote healing. I graduated from SIUE in May 2016 with a Master's in Art Therapy Counseling. I am a licensed counselor in the state of Illinois and Missouri as well as a Registered Art Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. I love using creative techniques to help people grow and solve problems.

I specialize in supporting women navigating complex experiences that often go misunderstood. This includes women who have experienced harm within spiritual or religious communities—whether that's spiritual abuse, religious trauma, or the complicated grief of leaving a faith tradition. I also work with women managing anxiety, depression, and interpersonal trauma.

If you've felt silenced, questioned your own reality, or struggled to trust yourself after difficult experiences, you're not alone. My practice is a place where your story matters, your feelings are valid, and healing is possible.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work (Master of Social Work). I have 10+ years in the mental health field and I have worked with multiple populations throughout the years. I gained special interest in mental health after working with pregnant women and adolescents. I became passionate about working with women and oppressed populations after working in multiple medical settings. I am committed to reducing mental health stigma through education and conversations addressing mental illness and holism. I enjoy helping others achieve their goals and I feel passionate about working with women, caregivers, oppressed populations, as well as the maternal health population. I have a person-centered approach, which allows me to collaborate with the client as a member of their team on their pursuit of optimal wellness. Although I am a licensed qualified mental health professional, I identify myself as a guide who collaborates with her clients in order to help lead them to healing and restoration. I believe that every person has the power to choose healing !

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 Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisory Designation (LPCC-S) in Ohio with nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I am also licensed to practice in Missouri and hold telehealth registration in Florida, allowing me to provide services to clients across multiple states. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development from Walsh University and have spent my career working with individuals experiencing a wide variety of emotional, relational, and life challenges. In addition to my clinical work, I have experience in clinical leadership and supervision and serve as an adjunct faculty member in a graduate counseling program.

I especially enjoy working with adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, grief and trauma. I also have a particular passion for women's mental health, including helping women navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that can accompany hormonal and reproductive transitions. Areas of special interest include Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), postpartum emotional and mental health concerns, and perimenopause and menopause. I recognize how significantly these seasons can affect mood, anxiety, relationships, sense of self, and overall well-being—and how often women feel that these experiences are misunderstood or minimized.

I believe therapy works best when it is grounded, compassionate, and practical. Many of the adults and couples I work with are high-achieving on the outside, but internally struggling with burnout, life transitions, or feeling disconnected in their relationships. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, collaborative space where you feel truly heard and supported.

Professional Background & Education I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri with extensive experience supporting individuals and couples through complex life challenges. In addition to my clinical licensure, I am currently completing my Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in Traumatology, with an expected graduation in 2028. My advanced doctoral training deeply informs my approach, allowing me to bring evidence-based, highly practical strategies into our work together.

Who I Serve & Specialty Areas I work exclusively with adults and couples (ages 18+), offering both flexible telehealth sessions across Missouri and in-person appointments in Moberly. My core areas of focus include:

• Adult Neurodivergence: Supporting adults navigating late-diagnosed Autism, ADHD, high-masking burnout, and executive dysfunction.
• Life & Relationship Transitions: Helping individuals and partners navigate divorce recovery, separation, co-parenting challenges, and blended family dynamics.
• Healing & Recovery: Providing trauma-informed care, support for individuals in recovery culture, and faith-informed Christian counseling.

Whether you are looking to unmask and understand your brain, rebuild connection in your relationship, or navigate a difficult major transition, I look forward to walking alongside you.

First of all, I am NOT your typical psychotherapist.

I'm pretty casual. I wear jeans and the occasional t-shirt to the office. Makeup went out the window when Covid hit. I have a dry sense of humor and sarcasm is my second language.

I like to sprinkle "f*ck" into my everyday vocab like little bits of colorful confetti. Feel free to add to the fun.

Greetings! You're journey to a healthy new you starts here!

I am a seasoned therapist, with a background of working with many different populations including adults, adolescents, blended families, couples, and both professional and personal experience working with first responders. I am also trained in the trauma based approach ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), which is specifically designed to work with those struggling with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Phobias.

Hello, my name is Jill! I received my education at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Master's of Science in Mental Health Counseling. I specialize in working with issues of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions.

Welcome! I am so happy you have taken the first step to healing. My name is Dzenana and I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, grief/loss, emotion regulation, suicidal ideation, and trauma. My master's is from University of Missouri-Kansas City. I have worked as a school counselor for 11 years before opening my own private practice. My varied life experiences allow me to connect meaningfully with people to foster their growth. Whether you are struggling with deep past events or current daily life stress, I can work with you. If you are hesitant, give me just one hour. Let's get started!