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As a newly minted mental health professional, you’re likely buzzing with excitement and ambition. You’re eager to jump into the mental health field and start making a difference. But let’s face it: the transition from graduate school to practicing can feel overwhelming. Where do you set up shop? How do you find clients? What about administrative tasks, office space, and health insurance? These questions often lead to one pivotal decision: should you start as a solo practitioner or join an established group private practice?

For many new therapists, becoming part of a group practice is a great way to start their professional journey. Here’s why joining a group private practice like gokc is often a better fit for new graduates.

I work with folks who are exploring identity, healing from trauma, and carrying the weight of generational wounds or ambiguous loss—the kinds of grief and disconnection that don’t always have clear beginnings or endings.

As a queer, second-generation immigrant, and EMDR-trained therapist, I’m especially passionate about supporting LGBTQAI+ people and those navigating the layered complexities of culture, family, and self. Whether you're unpacking inherited expectations, naming your truth for the first time, or just trying to breathe a little easier—I'm here to walk alongside you.

Hot off the press - Christin Trott is an independently Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri! She has completed all learning requirements for the state & has leveled up to be fully licensed.

Trauma can make you feel like the shell of a person you once were. It can drain your energy, hijack your thoughts, and steal your belief in yourself. If you're in the Kansas City metro and wondering whether trauma therapy can actually help you feel whole again, the answer is yes—and it’s probably not as mystical or far-fetched as you think.

At gokc, we offer trauma therapy that’s grounded in science, delivered with heart, and aimed at helping you rebuild the most important relationship in your life: the one you have with yourself.

Whether you're in Brookside, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, or right in the heart of downtown Kansas City, your healing journey can start with one simple but powerful truth: you are not broken. You’re human. And humans heal.

You walk into a room and immediately notice the flickering light overhead, the subtle shift in someone’s tone, and the fact that the person next to you seems... off. You're not imagining things. You're just highly sensitive—and no, that's not a bad thing.

If you're someone who feels everything deeply, gets overwhelmed easily, and has been told more than once to “toughen up,” this post is for you. Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is a temperament trait, not a flaw. And good news? Therapy can help you thrive with your sensitivity, not in spite of it.

Let’s dive into how therapy—especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—can help HSPs like you or your clients harness sensitivity as a strength rather than a struggle.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop of negative thoughts or traumatic memories you can’t seem to shake, first of all—welcome, you’re in good company. Second of all, let’s talk about a therapy that’s been changing lives (without needing to talk everything to death): EMDR.

Whether you're based in downtown Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, or just passing through Westport looking for a killer cup of coffee and a good therapist, this post is your deep-dive into the how, what, and why of EMDR therapy.

Trauma has a way of lingering, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and even our daily lives. Whether from a car accident on I-70, childhood experiences in Overland Park, or past traumas from military service, traumatic memories can hold us captive. Fortunately, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers an effective treatment for trauma recovery. EMDR therapy, endorsed by the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association, is a proven method to help individuals in Kansas City and beyond heal from traumatic experiences.

It’s my pleasure to welcome Rachel to gokc. Rachel and I (Aaron) go back a decade working together in the KC helping community. She is a terrific & compassionate therapist who is easy to know, like and work with. Her clients consistently love working with her and are grateful to have Rachel in their lives. Thank you for joining our team & offering your supportive space to our KC neighbors.

Life in your 20s and early 30s can feel like a roller coaster, full of major life changes, career choices, and a constant search for a sense of self. If you’re a young adult in the Kansas City metro area facing feelings of uncertainty, you might be experiencing a quarter-life crisis. The good news? You’re not alone, and this period of uncertainty is a natural part of personal growth.

Coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer can be an incredibly liberating step toward living as one's true self. However, for many LGBTQ individuals, the process of coming out is also accompanied by a profound and often unexpected sense of loss. Whether it’s family members who become distant, friends who don't understand, or communities that turn away, the experience of grief can be intense and disorienting. This type of grief—where one feels unable to fully mourn because society doesn't always recognize the loss—is called disenfranchised grief. For LGBTQ people, this grief is often compounded by social stigma, leaving them to process the loss of their former lives largely on their own.

Congrats Brenton!

Please join me in celebrating Brenton for leveling-up from provisional to independently Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri! For those who don’t know, counselors not only have to complete a rigorous graduate program in counseling psychology, they must continue their learning while practicing under the supervision of an LPC for a minimum of 2 years and 1200 direct therapy hours - whew! Brenton did this with flying colors and has helped dozens of people along the way as a compassionate, thoughtful and terrific therapist. I (Aaron) was lucky enough to work with Brenton for the better part of the last three years as his supervisor. I’ve seen him grow in confidence, competence & experience all along the way. I’m grateful to know Brenton & I’m a better clinician because of him.

When it comes to prioritizing your mental health, one significant decision is whether to use insurance or to seek private pay therapy. While insurance companies offer convenience, there are substantial benefits to pursuing counseling services without relying on an insurance provider. For residents in Kansas City, Missouri, and Johnson County, Kansas, understanding the advantages of private pay therapy can help you make an informed choice that best supports your mental health journey.

How a gokc Therapist Can Help You Get Going Again

Life is full of challenges, and sometimes, you may feel stuck after facing a traumatic event or a difficult experience. Whether you’re dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, or internal conflicts, taking the first step toward healing can seem overwhelming. However, the good news is that help is available. Mental health professionals in the Kansas City area, including licensed mental health counselors and clinical psychologists with years of experience, are equipped to support you in reclaiming control of your life and moving forward.

Help! A Guide for Kansas City Residents to Find a Good Therapist Fit

Taking the first step toward improving your emotional health by seeking professional help is an incredibly brave decision. Finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting task, especially if it's your first time navigating mental health services. If you're in the Kansas City, Missouri area and wondering how to connect with a therapist who truly understands your unique needs, this guide is for you.

How a Therapist Can Help You Achieve Your Goals in the New Year

As the new year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and setting lofty goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re focused on personal growth, mental health goals, or achieving specific goals in your daily life, therapy can be a powerful tool to help you navigate the journey. In Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Brookside, and Johnson County, Kansas, mental health professionals are available to provide valuable insights and actionable steps for success. Let’s explore how a therapist can help you turn those New Year’s resolutions into meaningful changes.

Finding Peace in the New Year Through Nature: A Journey to Inner Calm

As the holiday season winds down and the New Year begins, many of us start contemplating fresh starts and setting new goals. In today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world, finding inner peace can feel like a distant dream. But, what if the simplest way to reset was as close as stepping outside? Nature has an undeniable power to calm our minds, restore our spirits, and set us on a firm foundation for the challenges and joys that lie ahead.

The holiday season—often touted as the "most wonderful time of the year"—can be anything but for people facing depression. For some, this time of year magnifies symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Feelings of loneliness, family dynamics, financial stress, and unrealistic expectations can turn the winter months into a challenging time rather than a joyful celebration. If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness, holiday depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), working with a depression therapist could be the best thing you do to navigate the holidays.

This blog explores how your own therapist can help with managing depression symptoms during the winter holidays, providing a professional support system as you tackle the holiday blues and more.

Hi, I’m Christin. I’m grateful for healing! Both in my own life and with each person I’m lucky enough to be their therapist.

The passing of time

An inevitable experience we all go through that somehow feels painfully slow and incredibly fast altogether. This year I had several events that seemed to underscore the swiftness of the passing of time. It has left a mark of sadness and grief after realizing how quickly ten years have gone by - seemingly at the snap of a finger.