kara joy werner lpc, lcpc
visionary curator of transformative experiences
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meeting you where you're at
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 uncertain and scary. Taking this step is courageous! As someone who has been in the chair for my own therapy, I remember this feeling well. Asking for support 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, bring balance to your nervous system, 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. 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 to see if we would be a good fit. Finding the right therapist is the most important part of all of this. I encourage questions. Ask me anything.
"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 mission 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, trauma informed
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
Suffering is inevitable, pain is optional. I have created a safe place to excavate, get “unstuck,”and find relief. My collaborative, trauma-informed approach pulls from many different modalities depending on your wants and needs. I am typically heavy on the EMDR, Somatic and parts work (IFS and Ego States) pieces, weaving in mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Narrative, Art Therapy and Polyvagal theory when applicable. We will cultivate helpful resources and coping skills that are a fit for you.
I work (and live my life) through a systemic lens and the other factors in our world that impact our mental health will often surface in our work. I believe therapy should be client-led, you are the expert on you. My only agenda is to support you on your healing path.
I encourage (and engage in) open, honest communication through it all.
w
what to expect
from therapy
Suffering is inevitable, pain is optional. I have created a safe place to excavate, get “unstuck,”and find relief. My collaborative, trauma-informed approach pulls from many different modalities depending on your wants and needs. I am typically heavy on the EMDR, Somatic and parts work (IFS and Ego States) pieces, weaving in mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Narrative, Art Therapy and Polyvagal theory when applicable. We will cultivate helpful resources and coping skills that are a fit for you.
I work (and live my life) through a systemic lens and the other factors in our world that impact our mental health will often surface in our work. I believe therapy should be client-led, you are the expert on you. My only agenda is to support you on your healing path.
I encourage (and engage in) open, honest communication through it all.
kara joy werner (she/her)
“I prefer to think of my patients and myself as fellow travelers, a term that abolishes distinctions between ‘them’ (the afflicted) and ‘us’ (the healers)... we are all in this together, and there is no therapist immune to the inherent tragedies of life.”
-Yalom Irvin
I am human first, therapist second. I love that quote, but don’t view anyone I sit with as just a “patient.” My own therapy for C-PTSD saved me and it’s truly an honor to be able to go deep in this with others now, in support of finding relief, agency, change and transformation. I am also an ADHD’er with a difficulty in hiding my feelings. I deeply value authenticity and celebrate all the things that make us not the status quo, make us who we are. We are forever a work in progress and I am always working on myself, too. Evolving (and healing) is beautiful, hard, and necessary work. It’s the best gift we can give ourselves.
-Community is the answer to everything. I am an activist centered in anti-oppression. No one is free unless we all are. We are all connected. I will advocate for you in session and out in the world.
-Being in the trees soothes my soul. I spend a lot of time in nature and if I could just live outside, I would.
-Books and music have always saved me. I’m also a poet and artist.
-I don’t agree with pathologizing completely “normal” human responses to what happens to us. People are not broken.
-I have two dogs and two cats you may catch glimpses of sometimes. I really hope I catch glimpses of yours, too.
-I am a sex-positive and body-positive/neutral therapist. Being sexually and physically healthy looks different for everyone.
-Cheese. Cheese is glorious. Perfect. It brings me great joy.
-Reading and napping are treats I give me unapologetically.
-While I love working with individuals, couples and teens, I also really love working with other therapists.
-I was born in California and moved to rural Missouri when I was younger. I’ve been in Kansas City since 1991. I still long for the ocean every.single.day.
My approach is integrative, interactive and holistic, as there is no one size fits all approach to healing and change for anyone… Read more about how I work here!
Liberal Arts degree (emphasis in Psychology) from the New School University (NY, NY) | Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Avila University (KCMO) | Somatic and Attachment focused EMDR certified | Licensed in Missouri (2019030679) and Kansas (66365024).
services
15-minute phone/video intro consultation - Free
Individual Intake (first session): 60 minutes - $165
Individual 50 minute session - $155
Couples Intake (first session): 60 minutes - $185
Couples 50 minute session - $175
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.