Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Independence, MO

Parenting a child with special needs—especially a neurodivergent child—can be both rewarding and challenging. I’m here to support parents and caregivers with warmth, understanding, and practical tools so you can feel more confident and supported in your role.

I currently provide individual therapy to children in a school setting and have spent years working in foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. As a former foster parent and respite provider, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the unique experiences families navigate while caring for children with special needs. I also started a support group in my community to support caregivers, inspired by both my professional experience and my own parenting journey.

In addition, I have spent years helping employees and volunteers in non-profit fields navigate self-care, compassion fatigue, and responses to burnout.

I am drawn to matters of the heart, the deep questions we ask, how we find meaning, move through pain, and become more free. My own healing through relationships, therapy, spirituality, expressive arts, and body movement led me to become a therapist. I completed my MA in Couples and Family Therapy from Seattle University in 2019, opened my private practice in 2021, and have trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy for 6 years. I also bring experience as a yoga instructor, doula trainee, and spiritual seeker.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe therapy should meet you where you are while also helping you move toward where you want to be. I often compare therapy to going to the gym: it is dedicated time to strengthen the way you understand and respond to your thoughts, emotions, relationships and behaviors.

My approach is warm, direct and collaborative. You can expect empathy, compassion and acceptance, along with thoughtful questions and practical strategies that help you make meaningful changes. Your needs, experiences and goals will guide our work together.

I support adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges and major life transitions. I also have experience working with concerns related to sexual orientation, identity, suicide prevention, family dynamics and professional stress.

You do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. We can start with what is happening right now and work together from there.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience, and I came back to this work because it matters. I've spent most of my career sitting with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, addiction, and the kind of stress that builds quietly over time — the kind most people don't talk about until it becomes unavoidable. I practice telehealth only, which means wherever you are in Missouri, you can access consistent, quality care without rearranging your life. I offer morning, afternoon, and evening appointments — including some Saturdays — because I know life doesn't stop at 5 p.m. My approach is direct and practical. I use evidence-based tools, but I adapt them to what actually works for you specifically. I'm not here just to listen — I'm here to help you move.