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meeting you where you're at
I am thrilled you are here! While I bring the psychological expertise, you know you best. You've got the map and say where to go — I empower you to navigate, process, unpack and heal. I will meet you where you're at as we work to make connections, identify patterns/themes and reframe old stories that no longer serve you. I am also trained in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR and approach therapy through a trauma-informed, systemic, anti-oppression lens, centered in cultural humility. I am a visionary curator of transformative experiences. If you have tried therapy before and are still struggling and/or are ready to change your trajectory, call or email.
I will help you create healthy coping skills and empower you to grow — and change. Healing begins when you are heard and seen. You deserve to feel better. I promise to be fully present. There are many internal and external intersections with mental wellness — no topics are off limits.
Beyond fear is freedom. You are not broken. You are a badass. You have survived 100% of your worst days. You want to feel better and feel content. Sometimes we will laugh, sometimes we may cry. In it all, it’s simply an honor to stand with you. Radical authenticity and human connection is EVERYTHING. If you are seeking a therapist that quietly nods a lot and asks, “How do you feel about that?” I am not the one for you.
Online telehealth therapy in Missouri, Kansas, Florida and Vermont.
Call to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation 816-663-9756.
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starting therapy...
I know the thought of starting therapy can feel scary. Taking this step is courageous! As someone who has been in the chair for my own therapy and has transformed her own life, I remember the feeling well. Therapy is for everyone. I am happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation. Asking for help does not mean that there is “something wrong” with you, or that you are “weak.” You are not in need of “fixing.” I believe in a non-pathologizing and collaborative therapeutic relationship. I can help you learn the tools you need to decrease emotional distress/dysregulation and improve relationships (with self and others) as you develop insight into your patterns and thought processes that may not be serving you. I will stand with you as you learn to empower yourself and heal. Everything you need lies within you.
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what to expect
from therapy
I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to excavate and get “unstuck.” I became a therapist because I have experienced firsthand how healing the therapeutic relationship can be.
Suffering is inevitable, pain is optional. We will all face difficulty and pain at some point in our lives. Most of us go through life without knowing or having the skills we need to cope - and find healing.
w
what to expect
from therapy
I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to excavate and get “unstuck.” I became a therapist because I have experienced firsthand how healing the therapeutic relationship can be.
Suffering is inevitable, pain is optional. We will all face difficulty and pain at some point in our lives. Most of us go through life without knowing or having the skills we need to cope - and find healing.
kara joy werner (she/her)
You can call me Kara. I noticed at a fairly young age that people, even complete strangers, felt no dis-ease with "opening up" to me in the most random of places. I embraced this. I still do. I believe with every ounce of me that this work of standing with others to heal, change, find freedom and transform is my "calling." I know that one of the biggest obstacles people face in leading a balanced, content and fulfilled life is not being seen, heard or understood. I was born in California, moved to rural Missouri when I was younger and moved to Kansas City in 1991. I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree (emphasis in Psychology) from the New School University (NY, NY) and earned my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila University. I’m a learner for life! I keep up with all of the latest developments in my field. I miss school. Some may dread continuing education requirements, but not me. I like to go above and beyond. I’m always simultaneously reading fiction, poetry,non-fiction and something psychology related.
When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my teenager and our Goldendoodle (who believes he is really a cat), and two kittens! I’ll also be reading, painting, napping, practicing excellent self-care, eating so much cheese and hiking in the woods to re-set and recharge. I love working with individuals, couples, children and teens. I specialize in stress and anxiety, coping, trauma, grief, sadness and depression, boundaries, life transitions, communication, self-esteem, self-care and self-compassion.
My approach is integrative, interactive and holistic, as there is no one size fits all approach to healing and change for anyone...