kara joy werner lpc, lcpc
visionary curator of transformative experiences
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meeting you where you're at
We are all just walking each other home. While I bring a deep love and nerdiness about how we become us, this is your story. We will build and strengthen your agency, unravel stuck threads, find relief and break free from what holds you back. We'll explore patterns/themes, reframe old stories that no longer fit you - find clarity. I am certified in Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR, approaching therapy through a trauma-informed, systemic, culturally affirmative, anti-oppression lens - a creative visionary curator of transformative experiences. If you have tried therapy before and are still struggling or are ready to change your trajectory and choose YOU, call me.
We will work together to create resources that empower you to trust yourself, shift, heal and transform. This happens when you are heard, seen and understood. You deserve this. I promise to be fully present. There are many moving pieces in the world that impact our mental well-being - nothing is off limits. Our time is yours. You. deserve. to. feel. better.
Beyond fear is liberation. You are not alone or broken. You are a bad ass. You have survived all of your worst days. Sometimes we will laugh, sometimes we may cry. In it all, it’s an honor to sit with you in safety. Radical authenticity and human connection are everything. (If you are seeking a therapist that quietly nods a lot, I am not the one for you.)
Online telehealth therapy for Missouri and Kansas.
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.
"the future you needs your determination. say yes to the hard things that make you better. diligently build the habits that set you free. unapologetically create a life of your own design. every moment of effort enhances your vibrancy and sets you up for a majestic existence." -yung pueblo
My commitment is to stand with you in support as we uncover internal obstacles that are keeping you stuck. I believe therapy should be person-centered, holistic, centered in curiosity — and rooted in authenticity and trust.
I have been engaged in activism and advocacy work centered in racial and social justice for 20 years. I am committed to anti-racism, I stand with the LGBTQ+ community, Black Lives Matter, and as an ADHD'er, i am neurospicy affirming — to this end, I seek to de-pathologize the human experience and suffering, while also being mindful of the impact of systems, inequity and capitalism on our mental wellness, individually and collectively. As a white therapist, I embrace authenticity and accountability and recognize my privilege and role in change and advocacy for all marginalized people. I will never stop learning and evolving and changing when needed — I always strive to do better. I can give you a non-judgmental, authentic and safe space in which healing, wellness and change can happen.
safe, judgment-free zone
growth, relief
change, freedom
trauma is not what happens to you. it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you. -dr. gabor mate
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what to expect
from therapy
I offer a safe, judgment-free space to excavate and get “unstuck.” I became a therapist because I have experienced first-hand 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, and most of us go through life without learning, knowing or having the skills we need to cope - how to find relief and healing.
w
what to expect
from therapy
I offer a safe, judgment-free space to excavate and get “unstuck.” I became a therapist because I have experienced first-hand 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, and most of us go through life without learning, knowing or having the skills we need to cope - how to find relief and 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...
services
15-minute phone consultation
Complimentary
Currently accepting new clients, individuals and couples, for 50 minute sessions. Located in KCMO, but can work with you anywhere in Missouri, and Kansas via telehealth video.
Payment:
By not accepting insurance, I am able to protect your confidentiality by not disclosing information about our sessions to a third party. Additionally you and I are allowed to set the frequency and durations of your therapy treatment rather than having duration or amount of sessions dictated by a third party insurance provider. However, I can provide you with an invoice that can be submitted to your insurance company for out of network reimbursement.
Accepted payment types: FSA cards, and all major credit cards.
Insurance options : Coverage varies greatly, but my Out Of Network services may be covered in part by your insurance provider.
Please contact your HMO or health insurance plan to learn more about your out of network coverage. Below are some questions that you can ask:
*Do my insurance benefits include out of network mental health services?
*What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
*What is my deductible?
CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify me as soon as possible. If there is 24 hour notice, you will not be charged. Thank you for respecting this clinical boundary, as my professional time for your session has been set aside specifically for you.