Hi, I’m Mary Kate! I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Missouri and a licensed specialist clinical social worker (LSCSW) in Kansas. I have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri. With 15 years of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children, families, and adults in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practice. These experiences have helped me develop the empathy and understanding needed to connect with clients from all different backgrounds.

I primarily work with children, families, young adults, and couples. I hold a certificate in Play Therapy, am a Level 1 certified Gottman therapist, and am also certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). I’ve received specific training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I draw from principles of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).

I’m deeply interested in how the brain works in relation to the body, particularly when it comes to stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I incorporate neurobiology into my work with all of my clients because I’ve seen how understanding this connection can lead to the best results. Life can be difficult, but I firmly believe that growth and change are possible. It’s an honor to walk alongside my clients as a fellow human—whether as a parent, a wife, or a sister.

As a therapist, my goal is to help guide clients through the uncomfortable and often painful process of making life changes and better understanding themselves. Many of my clients struggle with trauma and unhealthy coping patterns that have kept them stuck in a cycle. I am here to help clients navigate through difficult feelings, relationships, and/or experiences and develop ways to live a healthier, happier lifestyle. Also, as an athlete and a coach, I have unique insight working with athletes of all ages and levels. Unlocking the mental side of the sport and making it work for you can help you achieve your next level of competing.

The modalities I use include DBT, EMDR, person-centered, and strength-based approaches to help clients grow towards a lifestyle that feels more aligned with their authentic self.

My goal in therapy is to help teens and young adults gain the skills needed to live their best life. Life can be very stressful and depressing for teens and young adults, who many times do not feel they have any control over their lives. I believe it is important to look at the whole person, their feelings, beliefs, concerns, dreams and desires. I attended high school in Liberia, West Africa and have traveled a lot which has given me a great respect for people and different cultures, and allows me a good understanding of the many ways mental health issues are handled around the world. I identify as Hitchiti, Creek Indian and Irish.

With over 20 years of experience, I have worked with a variety of mental health concerns (ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, BPD) as well as different ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender expressions. In addition, I speak Spanish, and learned French, Arabic, and three African dialects while in high school in Liberia, West Africa.

I believe that building trust, being non-judgmental, and establishing a relationship is one of the most important things between the therapist and client. It is my hope that we can connect, and you can get on the road to your best life, feeling balanced and content.

Life is unpredictable, it’s messy. We all are learning as we grow, and with the right skills we can learn to tackle any obstacles that are thrown our way. It’s important for all of us to have someone to lean on, talk to, help us grow through personal struggles, and that is how I view the therapeutic relationship. Primarily, I work with clients 18+ who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, grief, personality disorders, and overall life stressors.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered that includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic. I welcome all identities, backgrounds, and walks of life.

When it comes to counseling, it is very important for me to meet clients where they are at, understand how they view the world, and what motivates them. My hope and goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space for anyone who needs it, and to help as you process all of life’s ups and downs.

I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, but I have a special interest in two populations: youth and the LGBTQIA+ community. As a retired elementary teacher, I have over 20 years of experience working with youth, and I love bringing my ability to build rapport with them into the therapeutic setting. I also enjoy working with parents, helping them understand how to connect with their child in developmentally appropriate ways.

In addition to my work with youth, I find great fulfillment in meeting with people from the LGBTQIA+ community. As a member of the community myself, I combine my personal experience with specialized training to meet the unique needs of my LGBTQIA+ clients.

As a therapist, I view life as a big journey. I believe people often have a destination they’re hoping to reach, but they just need help finding the best way to get there. Along the way, we all encounter roadblocks, and sometimes we need assistance navigating those challenges. I work from a trauma-informed perspective and bring an empathetic ear to help others when they feel stuck or hopeless. Using mindfulness-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I enjoy helping people work through difficulties. I also like to approach problems through a metaphoric lens, drawing from Narrative Therapy to help reframe and understand life’s challenges.

Life can be daunting, but you don’t have to walk through it alone. If you’re here, you likely feel stuck in some way and are looking for meaningful change.  I deeply respect the courage it takes to pursue healing, and would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey. 

As a therapist, I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space for you to explore past and current issues that are keeping you stuck. My goal is to see clients process their experiences, gain new skills, and become more aligned with their authentic self. 

I have ten years’ experience in the mental health field and spent the last six years working with teens as a school-based therapist. I specialize in working with teens and adults as they navigate life’s challenges including anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem. Additionally, I have a special interest in supporting those experiencing OCD related symptoms.

I am trained in EMDR and DBT, and utilize principles from ACT, IFS, and ERP. I deeply value curiosity, authenticity, and connection in my approach to therapy. Together, we will tailor treatment to meet your specific needs.

The therapeutic relationship is key, and it’s important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and safe. Let’s chat over a free consultation call to see if I’m the right fit for you. 

I believe that understanding the effect your past experiences have on your current state is the way to guide your life forward, in the direction of your choice. We are all shaped by our family, education, neighborhood, and society throughout life, and curiously exploring those connections yields a life shaped by values and awareness.

My approach to therapy combines straight talk and clinical skillfulness in a safe and spacious atmosphere. I know life is serious, and also not everything is serious. I have been a therapist in Kansas City for 15 years, and a lifelong resident. I love people, and I especially appreciate the opportunity to walk alongside folks as they navigate all the really hard things.

My experience working with suicidality allows me to be present alongside very big feelings, and help bring the intensity down. I enjoy working with men exploring their emotional depth and the transitions that midlife brings. I love working with women who are curious about what more life has to offer. I have worked in a variety of settings, from agency to academia, that enable me to meet you wherever you are on life’s journey.

DBT and EMDR are my first clinical loves, but I am passionate about learning new things and experiencing all the world has to offer. I have two kids, and two cats, and an outsized affection for podcasts, spreadsheets and the enneagram (I’m a 1!). I look forward to connecting with you.

Specialties

Trauma and PTSD, Borderline Personality, Sexual Abuse

Issues

Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Coping Skills, Emotional Disturbance, Life Transitions, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Spirituality, Suicidal Ideation, Women’s Issues

Mental Health

Dissociative Disorders, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Communities

Veterans

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Dialectical (DBT), EMDR, Emotionally Focused, Feminist, Internal Family Systems (IFS). Trauma Focused

Modality

Individuals, Group

Trauma affects our brains in ways that can make us feel stuck in constant survival mode. It can be exhausting. I offer strategies to help clients process their experiences, cope more effectively, and move forward with their lives. You can find relief! And you don’t have to do it alone. Your needs are unique to your story, so your treatment should be unique as well. Whether the root of the issue is behavioral, emotional, traumatic, or complicated, I aim to help my clients make this discovery for themselves and collaborate in therapy, so it best fits their needs and values.

I have experience working with clients from a variety of ages, gender expressions, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and ability levels both physical and mental. I use a variety of techniques, including EMDR, to help clients be more mindful of the language that keeps them from moving forward so they can take manageable steps towards the life they want.

You might feel anxious or unsure about reaching out for help, so I encourage you to ask questions about how I help people find relief. That is why I offer anyone a FREE consultation to find out if I am a good fit. I would love to discuss your unique needs and hopefully ease you into your next step.

Josephine Huhs is the Client Care Coordinator and Office Manager for the Heartland Therapy Connection team. She graduated from UMKC with a BA degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice.

She is a Kansas City local who enjoys talking to people and getting to know their backgrounds. Her goal is to connect you with a therapist who best fits your needs throughout your journey of healing.

Hi, I’m Maddie. I’m the Client Care and Community Coordinator for the Heartland Therapy Connection team, where I support our administrative and marketing efforts. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 2020, I gained experience in writing and marketing. In 2023, I decided to return to school to pursue my studies in Industrial Design, blending my passion for creativity and problem-solving with a focus on design.