Living with anxiety can feel like being stuck in a loop—always anticipating, always managing, always holding it together. It often shows up in quiet, persistent ways that are easy to miss but hard to ignore. You might not know exactly what’s wrong, just that things feel harder than they should. Therapy offers a place to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and begin to feel more like yourself again.

Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic. It can hide in the pressure to get everything right, the urge to keep others happy, or that constant sense you’re not doing enough. We’re here to help you understand what’s behind it—and to support you with tools, insight, and care that meet you right where you are.

The effects of anxiety can weave themselves into everyday routines: from feeling mentally scattered, avoiding decisions, or constantly second-guessing yourself without knowing why. You might find it hard to relax, even during downtime, or notice a running dialogue in your head that’s hard to turn off. Work tasks may take longer, social plans feel draining, or simple errands start to feel like a lot. Your sleep might be light and restless, or you wake up already feeling behind. And often, these patterns get brushed off as stress or just “the way things are,” when they’re actually signs that anxiety is playing a bigger role than you realized.

You might feel like you’re functioning on the outside while quietly struggling underneath—going through the motions but feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or on edge. Over time, that kind of internal pressure can wear you down. It chips away at your focus, your confidence, and your sense of ease. The constant hum of worry starts to shape how you move through the world, even if no one else can see it. And while it may not always stop you in your tracks, it can keep you from feeling fully present in your life.

Anxiety isn’t always about one big event. Sometimes it’s the constant mental noise or subtle physical tension that wears you down. Therapy can help you understand these patterns and find more calm. Here are some ways anxiety might show up for you:

How Anxiety Might Show Up Inside

• Constantly overthinking or replaying conversations
• Feeling restless or unable to “turn off” your mind
• Struggling with perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
• Masking worry with humor, busyness, or people-pleasing
• Feeling overwhelmed by small decisions or changes
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy”
• Needing reassurance or fearing judgment from others

How Anxiety Might Show Up In Your Body

• Muscle tension or tightness without a clear cause
• Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shortness of breath
• Restless or unsettled energy
• Panic attacks or sudden waves of intense fear
• Difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling tired
• Upset stomach, headaches, or other physical discomfort
• Feeling drained or exhausted even without much activity

At our Kansas City therapy practice, supporting anxiety is a personalized journey guided by licensed professionals who know healing looks different for everyone. Our team of counselors assists clients every day in identifying anxiety triggers, developing stress-reducing coping skills, and challenging negative thoughts. We use evidence-based approaches such as DBT, mindfulness, grounding exercises, and other tailored practices to help you manage stress and build resilience.

Whether your anxiety feels new or has been part of your life for years, we work collaboratively to develop tools that help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control. Our compassionate, paced approach focuses on what feels right for you, supporting lasting change so you can move forward with greater ease and less worry.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD—or you’ve spent years wondering why things feel harder for you than they seem to for others—you’re not alone. Maybe staying organized is a daily struggle, or you often feel overwhelmed, scattered, or misunderstood. You’ve probably heard words like “lazy,” “flaky,” or “too much” and wondered what was wrong with you. The answer? Nothing. You may simply have a brain that works differently—and that’s okay.

At Heartland Therapy Connection in Kansas City, we offer ADHD therapy and coaching for adults navigating exactly this. We specialize in supporting adults with ADHD, especially those diagnosed later in life, as they begin to make sense of their experience, learn practical tools, and build a life that actually works for them. Whether you’re looking to feel more in control, improve your focus, or simply understand yourself better, we’re here to help.

• Constantly losing track of time or forgetting important things
• Feeling like your brain is always “on”—and not in a helpful way
• Struggling to finish what you start, even things you care about
• Being hard on yourself because you feel like you should be able to keep up
• Having a million tabs open in your brain at once
• Feeling misunderstood, even by people close to you

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects focus, emotional regulation, time management, memory, and more. While many people think of ADHD as something that only affects kids, more adults than ever are being diagnosed—especially women and people assigned female at birth who were often overlooked as children.

ADHD shows up differently for everyone. Some adults are more distracted and forgetful. Others feel driven by an inner motor and can’t slow down. Some bounce between focus extremes—zoning out one moment and hyper-focused the next.

Not everyone experiences all of these, but if several sound familiar, ADHD might be at play:

• Difficulty with focus and attention
• Easily distracted by noises, thoughts, or surroundings
• Losing or misplacing things often
• Struggles with time management or chronic lateness
• Forgetting appointments, birthdays, or to-do items
• Interrupting or speaking without thinking
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
• Emotional overwhelm or mood swings
• Trouble relaxing or falling asleep
• Feeling like you’re always behind, no matter how hard you try

At Heartland Therapy Connection, we offer both individual therapy and ADHD coaching. Here’s how to tell which might be right for you:

Therapy is best if you’re working through mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship stress alongside ADHD. 

Focus Areas:

• Managing shame or low self-esteem
• Processing past trauma or grief
• Dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout
• Improving communication and relationships

Coaching focuses more on practical tools and strategies to manage your ADHD in daily life. It’s action-oriented and future-focused.

Focus Areas:

• Creating routines that actually stick
• Time management and planning systems
• Breaking big tasks into doable steps
• Accountability and follow-through
• Navigating work, school, or household responsibilities

Not sure which you need? Let’s figure it out together.

Finding out you have ADHD in adulthood can bring up a flood of feelings: relief, grief, anger, and even hope. You may finally understand why life has felt like a struggle for so long—but also feel sad about the years spent misunderstanding yourself.

We get it. We help you process all those emotions and build a life that honors how your brain really works, not how others think it should.

This is your time to stop masking, stop apologizing, and start building something sustainable and fulfilling.

Book your free 15-minute consult today and let’s talk about how therapy or coaching can help you thrive with ADHD—not just survive it.

1. Do I need a formal diagnosis to start therapy or coaching?

No. While a diagnosis can be helpful, it’s not required. If you’re noticing patterns that sound like ADHD, we can still help.

2. Is ADHD therapy covered by insurance?

Therapy may be covered by your out-of-network benefits or a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coaching is typically private pay. We can help walk you through the details.

3. Can I do therapy or coaching online?

Yes! We offer both in-person sessions in Kansas City and secure virtual sessions across Missouri.

4. What if I have ADHD and anxiety/depression?

You’re not alone—many people with ADHD also deal with anxiety or depression. Our therapists are trained to treat both.

5. I’ve tried planners and time-blocking before. What’s different about this?

The difference is you’re not doing it alone. We help you find what actually works for your brain and support you as you make changes—without the shame spiral.

6. How long will it take to see results?

Everyone is different, but many clients start noticing small shifts within a few weeks. Real change takes time—and we’ll be with you every step.

If you’ve been feeling heavy, disconnected, or like you’re moving through life in slow motion, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this on your own. Many people come to therapy unsure of what exactly is wrong, only that things feel harder than they should. Depression can take many forms, from persistent sadness or irritability to feeling numb, exhausted, or hopeless about the future.

Depression doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.

It might show up in how we cope, how we interact with others, or how we speak to ourselves. Therapy offers a space to explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity—not judgment. Whether you’re struggling with a recent change or something that’s been building for a long time, we’re here to meet you where you are, help you untangle the weight you’re carrying, and move toward something lighter, one step at a time.

Common Signs of Depression in Adults

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Low energy or constant fatigue, even after rest

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, or activities

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Increased irritability or restlessness

• Withdrawing from social connection or responsibilities

• Feeling numb, disconnected, or emotionally flat

• Harsh self-criticism or feelings of worthlessness

• Thoughts of death or suicide (even if fleeting or passive)

Some signs may look different—or surprisingly similar—in teens. While depression can show up uniquely depending on age, many experiences do overlap, especially when it comes to mood, motivation, and connection.

Life can feel overwhelming at times—whether it’s intense emotions, difficult relationships, or patterns of behavior that seem impossible to break. If you’ve found yourself stuck in cycles of self-criticism, conflict, or unhealthy coping, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where “just pushing through” isn’t working anymore, and that’s where therapy can make a difference.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach to improving emotional regulation, relationships, and overall well-being. Built on the foundation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), DBT emphasizes the balance of acceptance and change—two things that may seem opposite but are both necessary for growth. At its core, DBT helps people move toward what psychologist Marsha Linehan described as “a life worth living.”

DBT isn’t just about what happens in a therapy session—it’s about giving you practical tools you can use every day. You might notice DBT skills showing up when you pause and take a mindful breath before reacting in anger, navigate a tough conversation with clarity and respect, or recognize and accept your feelings without letting them control you. They may also help you cope with distress in healthy ways instead of turning to old habits, and strengthen your relationships by balancing your needs with the needs of others.

Many people seek DBT when they’re feeling “too much” or “not enough”—too emotional, too impulsive, too disconnected, or not in control of their lives. You might benefit from DBT if you:

• Struggle with regulating emotions or mood swings.
• Experience frequent conflict in relationships.
• Use unhealthy coping strategies such as self-harm, substance use, or withdrawal.
• Feel stuck in cycles of shame, guilt, or self-blame.
• Have difficulty tolerating stress or uncertainty.

DBT can also be a good fit if you’ve tried other therapies but found yourself needing more structure, more practical skills, or a balance between compassion and accountability.

While DBT was originally developed to support individuals with borderline personality disorder, research has shown it to be effective for many other challenges, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma recovery
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Substance use struggles
• Impulse control difficulties

At its core, DBT helps people who feel emotions deeply or struggle with patterns that keep them stuck, regardless of diagnosis.

Our counselors also offer workshops, presentations, reading materials, and consultations specifically for first responders. We provide education on the effects of trauma and offer hope to first responders and veterans.

Call or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with one of Heartland Therapy Connection’s counselors today.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or held back by something you can’t quite name, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Many people come to therapy carrying the weight of past experiences, even if they don’t always think of them as trauma. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and move through the lingering effects of trauma in a safe, structured way.

Trauma doesn’t always look dramatic or obvious.

Sometimes it shows up in how we react, how we relate to others, or how we see ourselves. EMDR helps your brain do the work it was meant to do—making sense of those experiences so they no longer feel as disruptive or overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with something recent or something from long ago, we’re here to meet you where you are and guide you forward with care, expertise, and a pace that feels right for you.

The impact of trauma isn’t always obvious—and it doesn’t always show up in ways we expect. It can weave itself into everyday life: feeling constantly on edge, overreacting to small things, or shutting down emotionally without really understanding why. You might find yourself withdrawing from people, struggling to focus at work, or feeling exhausted no matter how much rest you get. Sleep can be restless, or hard to come by at all. Certain places, sounds, or situations might stir up anxiety or discomfort that seems to come out of nowhere. And often, it’s easy to dismiss these patterns as stress or being “off,” when they’re actually signs of something deeper.

You might feel like you’re going through the motions, disconnected from yourself or the people around you. These aren’t just passing moods—they can be signs that your mind is still carrying the weight of past experiences that haven’t been fully processed. EMDR therapy offers a way to safely revisit and work through those experiences in a structured, supportive way. It’s not about reliving the pain—it’s about releasing its hold. With the right support, healing becomes possible, and you can begin to feel more grounded, more present, and more like yourself again.

You don’t have to go through something “big” for it to leave a mark. EMDR can help with trauma and other experiences that feel stuck or overwhelming. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to reach out:

• Stuck on a painful memory
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Constantly on edge or overwhelmed
• Strong emotions that seem to come from nowhere
• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Harsh inner critic or lingering shame
• Difficulty trusting or connecting with others
• Panic attacks or physical stress symptoms
• Feeling numb or disconnected
• Struggling to move on from a loss or event

At our Kansas City therapy practice, EMDR isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s a personalized process, guided by trained professionals who understand that healing looks different for everyone. Every therapist on our team is certified in EMDR and experienced in helping clients address their specific needs, from single-incident events to more complex, long-term experiences. Whether you’re coping with the effects of childhood trauma, grief, abuse, medical trauma, or a recent distressing event, we’re here to help you safely explore and process those memories so they no longer hold as much power over your present.

We use the tools and protocols within EMDR to address the lasting impact of unprocessed experiences—whether that’s showing up as anxiety, panic responses, low self-worth, or difficulty forming secure relationships. EMDR can be adapted to support a variety of concerns rooted in past experiences, and we work closely with you to determine if and when it’s the right fit for your goals. Our approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and paced to match your readiness—always focused on helping you build resilience, clarity, and a renewed sense of stability in your life.

Call or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with one of Heartland Therapy Connection’s counselors today.

Heartland Therapy Connection offers PCIT for families experiencing behavioral issues in children ages 2-and-1/2 to 7. Treatments typically last 12 to 18 sessions and can take place in person at Heartland Therapy Connection’s Brookside office or through telehealth virtual sessions.

Call or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with one of Heartland Therapy Connection’s counselors today.

Parenting a teen can be both rewarding and overwhelming. You may notice your child pulling away, struggling with emotions, or facing pressures at school, with friends, or online—and you’re not sure how to help. It’s hard to see your teen hurting or shutting down, and as a parent, you want to give them every opportunity to feel supported, understood, and equipped to handle life’s challenges. Reaching out for counseling can feel like a big step, but it’s one that shows just how much you care about their well-being.

Teen counseling provides a safe space where your child can talk openly about what they’re experiencing—whether it’s anxiety, stress, depression, or navigating big transitions. Our goal is to help them build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and feel more confident in who they are, while also supporting you as the parent in understanding their journey. As you read on, we’ll share some of the common signs that a teen may benefit from counseling and what to expect in the process, so you can feel more prepared and reassured about taking the next step.

• Withdrawal from friends or family – spending more time alone or avoiding activities they used to enjoy
• Noticeable changes in mood – frequent irritability, sadness, or emotional ups and downs that feel hard to manage
• Academic struggles – slipping grades, loss of motivation, or difficulty concentrating
  
• Changes in sleep or appetite – sleeping too much or too little, eating noticeably more or less
• Increased worry or stress – expressing feelings of being overwhelmed or anxious about school, peers, or the future
  
• Low self-esteem or self-criticism – talking down about themselves or seeming overly hard on themselves
  
• Risky or impulsive behaviors – sudden changes in peer group, experimenting with substances, or acting out of character

Every child and teen is unique, and the challenges they face can take many forms. Some may struggle with anxiety, experiencing constant worry, panic, or social fears that interfere with daily life. Others may deal with depression, which can look like sadness, irritability, or a lack of motivation to engage in school or friendships. For many, ADHD brings difficulties with focus, organization, and managing impulses—often leaving both the teen and the parent feeling frustrated. Therapy can also help with stress management, navigating family changes, and building healthier self-esteem.

Heartland Therapy Connection counselors are here to help survivors develop coping skills to reduce the severity of their symptoms and feel safe in the face of distress or danger. As a client’s distress lessens, they can begin to move forward with their life. Providing support for our clients is Heartland Therapy Connection’s primary goal. Our counselors utilize a wide range of evidence-based approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy. These methods not only provide relief, but can be useful in organizing confusing thoughts or mixed feelings for overall healing.

Call or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with one of Heartland Therapy Connection’s counselors today.

A Supportive Environment

We create a safe, compassionate space where you can feel understood and supported. Our trauma-informed therapists prioritize your comfort and autonomy, guiding you at your own pace. We aim to empower you to process your experiences and cultivate resilience.

Take the First Step

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, we invite you to reach out. Our team is here to listen and provide the support you need. Together, we can work toward healing, helping you reclaim your narrative and move forward with greater peace and confidence.

Our licensed therapists in Missouri and Kansas are committed to your journey. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our trauma therapy services or to schedule an appointment. Your journey to healing starts here, and we are honored to be part of it.

Call or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with one of Heartland Therapy Connection’s counselors today.

Are you interested in learning about Group Therapy in Kansas City?

Group therapy is a type of therapy where a small group of people come together to talk, support each other, and learn new ways to cope with life’s challenges, all guided by a licensed therapist. At Heartland Therapy Connection we are proud to offer a range of group therapy sessions designed to foster connection, healing, and personal growth. Our biweekly groups, running from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, are hosted by our skilled and compassionate licensed clinicians, providing the opportunity for community members to engage in real-time, in-person therapy. These groups are designed to help individuals learn new therapeutic strategies, share experiences, and build a support network in a safe and welcoming environment. In 2025, we currently offer three distinct groups, with two of them available at no cost to participants! Whether you’re seeking support, insight, or a sense of belonging, our group therapy sessions provide a unique space to connect and grow together. 

Our 2025 Groups:

• Men’s Group for Veterans and First Responders (Free!)

Our Men’s Group partners with Warriors Ascent, and is run by our practice owner, Anna Saviano. This group provides support and skill building specifically designed for veterans and first responders in Kansas City. Running biweekly, at no cost!

• Connection Group (Free!)

Our Connection Group is open to anyone 18+, and allows individuals to work with a professional therapist in real time. Group members learn coping skills and strategies to manage stressful emotions, and life experiences. Individuals get to connect with other members who might be experiencing similar struggles, or to gain perspective. 

• Empowerment Group

Our Empowerment Group partners with POW Martial Arts to combine trauma therapy with self-defense, helping participants regain a sense of empowerment after trauma. This group, held Fridays from 5:00 – 6:40 PM, offers a supportive space to learn, grow, and feel comfortable, with occasional special sessions like women-only groups or alternative times available upon request.

Bi-Weekly Groups to Foster Connection and Healing