Kansas City Marriage Counselors and Couples Therapists

Dr. Michelle Washburn-Busk
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
I believe that all humans have an innate capacity for growth, but that growth is often thwarted by a lack of self-awareness, self-compassion or self-confrontation. I aim to help couples and individuals heal from pain and anger, to examine the values and motives driving their actions, and to access new levels of joy and fulfillment by honoring the most authentic version of themselves. I will work collaboratively with you to make new meaning of pain, betrayal, mental illness, or everyday trials, and I will guide you through examining the ways you exert or resist influence from your partner. I specialize in working with couples where one or both partners feels helpless or disempowered, often resulting in disconnection. I also help clients navigate shame and the residual effects trauma can have on relationships. I research and teach about how partners influence one another to navigate fairness in their partnerships.
I completed my Master’s degree and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at Kansas State University. My husband and I love kayaking, gardening, camping, trying new food, and exploring new cities together. We adore and spoil our two dogs.
Michelle sees clients in our Independence office.

Paul Busk
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Keeping passion and connection in relationships while also thriving as individuals is a goal that many of us have. Balancing these aspects of life can be difficult, especially when life stressors, mental or emotional disorders, or trauma present themselves. My goal is to help clients achieve their goals of connection and personal growth, while challenging them to act on the best parts of themselves. I am passionate about working with couples struggling with intimacy and desire issues. My approach in working with couples centers on differentiation based therapies and encourages both individual and couple growth.
I have experience working with families, individuals and adolescents struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, personality disorders and sexuality, using emotionally focused family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. My approach in working with families aims to create an environment conducive to understanding and being understood.
Paul sees clients in our Independence office.

Christina Wilson
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Being alive and creating the type of relationship you want can feel like a full-time job. If you are trying to reduce resentment after years of misunderstandings, heal after infidelity, renew your relationship as empty nesters, navigate differences in emotional and physical desires, start your marriage on the right track through premarital therapy, and more, I encourage you to set up a first session or consultation call with me.
While I specialize in working with couples (which can take many different forms: dating, married, non-monogamous, separated, co-parenting, etc.), I also work with individual adults struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and setting boundaries. I am a queer-affirming, sex-positive therapist and take a firm stance on inclusivity, and though it is unlikely that we match in all identities, I work with humans of all backgrounds and aim to honor your story.
Since you might currently be lost and needing a map to a new path forward, I can be the guide who strikes a balance between collaborative and structured so that you can feel empowered but have someone helping you through. The next courageous step onto that path is to reach out to our wonderful administrative team.
Christina sees clients in our Independence office.

Megan Dippold
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
I think we are all wired for and worthy of love and connection. Whether that is connection to ourselves or to others, I believe the desire to belong lives inside each of us. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. There can be so many places where shame, doubt, old wounds, and miscommunication disorient and disconnect us. As a therapist, I consider it a great privilege to partner with you as we collaboratively work through some of the things that might be keeping you stuck.
To my core, I am a hope-holder, passionate about meeting you where you are at and helping you figure out how to get to where you want to go. I believe that the process of therapy challenges each of us to grow and change so that we can become the best versions of ourselves and ultimately lead healthier, more authentic lives.
I completed my degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seattle Pacific University and while I love all that the mountains and water have to offer, Kansas City will always be home for me. I have experience in working with individuals and couples and am passionate about working with issues of intimacy, identity exploration, grief, trauma, and infidelity. Outside of work, I love reading and writing, playing guitar, and getting outside when it’s not too cold. If you feel like I might be a good fit for you, I’d love to connect.
Megan sees clients in our Overland Park office.

Dr. Aimee Hubbard
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Associate Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Relationships face so many challenges, but I'm here to help couples navigate these ups and downs. In our sessions, I aim to offer expertise while honoring your lived experience. I take a trauma informed and non-judgmental approach that blends compassion with humor to help you find the best path forward. Embracing diversity and supporting the LGBTQ+ community are integral parts of my practice, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Beyond my formal education, I'm a lifelong learner that is committed to providing the best care.
Common reasons people seek me out include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-acceptance, shame, boundaries, communication, disconnect, low desire, infidelity, transition to parenthood, sex therapy, or navigating menopause. By identifying patterns and encouraging new responses, I help couples cultivate thriving relationships.
As a therapist specializing in couple dynamics, I'm confident in my ability to help you uncover your unique strengths and discover pathways to a fulfilling relationship. Let's take the first step together with a free 15-minute consult call to see if I'm a good fit. Together, we can create a relationship that's strong enough to overcome life's challenges.
Aimee sees clients in our Independence office.

Dr. Brady Eisert
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Professional Member and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Getting stuck in cycles of conflict, anxiety, and depression can leave us feeling hopeless. Sometimes it’s hard to see any path forward. It can be easy to lose ourselves in the day-to-day so long that we forget what we want and who we are. How do I know this? I’ve been there myself.
Self-esteem, motivation, and flourishing relationships require psychological nutrients and skills that some environments didn’t provide us. My trauma-informed therapeutic approach uses mindfulness, compassion, curiosity, and humor to help you learn how to build a life and relationships that thrive. I am an LGBTQ+-affirming, kink-friendly, sex-positive therapist.
My theoretical orientation utilizes self-determination theory to integrate aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based therapies, and family systems theory. I tailor my interventions to meet the unique circumstances of each client.
Individuals commonly seek me out to work on self-esteem, shame, anxiety, depression, self-loathing, people pleasing, boundaries, identity exploration, and existential crises/faith transitions. Those in relationships commonly seek me out to work on communication, disconnection, sexual concerns (e.g., sexually explicit media/pornography, low desire/arousal, erectile dysfunction, and premature or delayed ejaculation), navigating non-monogamy, and affairs.
In addition to my PhD in Couple and Family Therapy (CFT), I earned master's degrees in CFT and Statistics. I am a lifelong learner and researcher, and I strive to provide top-quality evidence-supported care. In my free time, I enjoy nature, fantasy/sci-fi novels, dancing, symphonic metal, movies, and pizza.
Brady offers secure telehealth (video) sessions to anyone residing in Kansas or Missouri.

Addie Cutler
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
You wish your relationship and life felt more connected, authentic, and whole. You desire to show up as your best self, but find that it’s so much harder than it should be. You tell yourself that you should forgive, move on, commit; and that you should have changed already! You feel bogged down by anxiety and fear, wondering if things can really change. You hope to find deep connection and healing, and hope that therapy is the next step on your path. Let’s walk together toward the life you desire!
In our sessions, you will begin to understand how your past and present impact how you feel today. We will work toward freedom to choose how you respond to life’s challenges, untethered from old patterns. I will support you as you practice connecting with yourself or your partner in new ways. I will challenge you to grow, offering support and understanding along the way. I balance empowering your growth with recognizing systemic contributions to well-being.
My practice is grounded in acceptance. I am LGBTQ+ affirming; you are welcome just as you are. I work with individuals and couples on issues including infidelity repair, developing healthy conflict skills, sex and intimacy, premarital/precommitment therapy, and reigniting or deepening connection.
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and then spent a decade learning and exploring in Colorado. In Kansas City you can find me going for walks, playing board games, and working on DIY projects. I have a charming spouse and three adorable pets.
Addie sees clients in both our Independence and Overland Park offices.

Eileen Kerrigan
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
You are the expert on your own life, so therapy with me will be a collaborative process. My approach is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental, providing a space where you feel heard and understood. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or life transitions, my goal is to help you gain insight into how and why you want to change and then support you in your personal growth.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples identify and address patterns that hinder connection, and I am passionate about this important work! Together, we’ll strengthen your communication, enhance your ability to respond to and resolve conflicts, and improve your relationships—not just with your romantic partner, but also with family, friends, and at work—ultimately fostering healthier, more fulfilling connections across all areas of your life.
I have a special interest and expertise in working with individuals and couples navigating infertility and reproductive challenges. Whether you're currently undergoing treatments or have already completed your journey, I offer a compassionate space to process the complex emotions involved, including grief, disappointment, and the lasting impact infertility can have. My training and experience working therapeutically with infertility has given me an in-depth understanding of the language and complications involved in fertility treatments - which removes the burden from you having to explain jargon or teach me about the medical specifics related to your emotional pain. This will allow us to focus on your emotional experience and healing. I’m here to help you cope with the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive, unpack unresolved feelings, and address the relational dynamics often affected by infertility. My goal is to help you find clarity, healing, and emotional support—whether you’re actively navigating infertility or reflecting on past experiences.
Eileen offers secure telehealth (video) sessions to anyone residing in Kansas or Missouri.

Kelsey Ellis
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I provide specialized therapy for individuals, couples, and poly/ENM relational groups seeking meaningful change, deeper connection, and lasting emotional well-being. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I offer a thoughtful, highly-personalized approach that integrates existential and humanistic principles, honoring each client's unique story, values, and capacity for growth.
My practice focuses on EMDR trauma treatment, helping clients move beyond the impact of painful experiences that continue to affect relationships, self-regard, and daily functioning. Through a careful and collaborative process, I help clients resolve unresolved trauma, reduce emotional distress, and develop a greater sense of confidence, clarity, and resilience.
I also work extensively with clients in relationships facing high-conflict relationship dynamics. Whether navigating chronic communication struggles, betrayal, escalating arguments, or emotional disconnection, I help partners understand the patterns keeping them stuck and create new ways of relating that foster trust, intimacy, and mutual understanding. My work is grounded in the belief that relationships thrive when partners feel seen, heard, and respected.
Many of my clients are men seeking support for loneliness, life transitions, relationship difficulties, or a persistent sense of disconnection. Together, we explore not only symptoms and challenges, but also larger questions of identity, purpose, belonging, and what it means to live authentically. I strive to create a space where vulnerability is welcomed and meaningful connection can emerge.
I also enjoy working with older adults as they navigate the complexities of aging, retirement, caregiving responsibilities, grief, health concerns, and changing life roles. An existential perspective can be particularly valuable during these transitions, helping clients engage questions of meaning, legacy, loss, and personal fulfillment with curiosity and compassion.
My therapeutic style is direct, engaged, and collaborative. Drawing from humanistic and existential traditions, I view therapy as an opportunity to deepen self-understanding, strengthen relationships, and live more intentionally. Whether you are healing from trauma, working through relationship challenges, or navigating a significant life transition, I aim to provide a space where you feel genuinely understood while being supported in creating lasting and meaningful change.
Kelsey sees clients in our Overland Park office.

Randi Lechtenberger-Mitchell
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I am a collaborative therapist who wants to work alongside my clients to ensure their therapy goals are met. I believe people have the most extraordinary capacity for change when they have a space to express emotional vulnerability while feeling safe and heard. One of my primary goals is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can be vulnerable as they navigate the complexities of their relationships. I am a trauma-informed therapist, and when needed, I am direct and challenge my clients while maintaining empathy and compassion. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I am passionate about working with trauma survivors and am trained in EMDR therapy.
I graduated with my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University before moving to KC with my husband, two cats, and the Great Pyrenees. I enjoy spending time with family and friends in my free time, reading, and being in nature!
Randi sees clients in our Overland Park office.

Jen Regier
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Therapy is a deeply personal and collaborative journey. I want to empower you to grow into the best version of yourself while learning to connect and communicate in congruent ways. The journey to your best self will involve acknowledging emotions, cultivating self-awareness, and reaching for self-compassion. I bring experience and expertise to support you in navigating the nuances and stuck points of intimate partnerships, overcoming the challenges of infidelity, untangling communication issues, and addressing concerns related to sex, desire, and intimacy. I also have expertise in navigating the complexities of life transitions, grief, divorce, anxiety, and depression, as well as religious deconstruction/trauma.
I approach therapy from an experiential, cognitive, and emotion-focused lens that offers safety, structure, equity, compassion, and self-confrontation. I am a trauma-informed therapist and utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) when working on specific trauma issues. I am an LGBTQIA-affirming therapist who works with all identities and orientations. I hold a Master's degree in Couples & Family Therapy from Kansas State University and a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Emporia State University.
In my free time, I enjoy stand-up comedy, walking my dog, painting, music, and reading a good memoir.
Jen sees clients in our Overland Park office.

Hailey Moore
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
When things are “off” in your family, I know how hard it is to think about anything else. I help families navigate challenges such as divorce, parenting and co-parenting, and emotional/behavioral issues with kids and teens. My goal is to empower you to find healing and confidence through interventions that are both evidence-based and tailored to your unique circumstances.
I have the ability to tap into a younger mind while educating and supporting parents along the way. After all, therapy is temporary, you’re going to be there for your child forever! As a therapeutic third party, I can provide support for the whole family and help you make change that doesn't just eliminate "symptoms," but actually stands the test of time.
Haley is a dually licensed therapist, holding licensure in both Kansas and Texas, allowing them to provide therapy to clients in both states.
Hailey sees clients in our Overland Park office.

Emily Schwein
S-MFT
Relationships can be beautiful, and they can also be incredibly hard. Therapy with me honors both. I specialize in working with couples who feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of what comes next. Maybe it feels like love just isn’t enough and you’re struggling to communicate, reconnect, or move forward. I hear you.
I also work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, shame and the painful experience of feeling like you’ve lost your voice. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of how to move forward, therapy can be a space to rediscover your strength and reconnect with who you are.
My approach is nonjudgemental, collaborative, relaxed and centered on your unique goals and experiences. I believe we all have the capacity to heal and evolve, and I’m passionate about helping you move toward the life and relationships you envision, even when they feel just out of reach. I work with people of all identities and relationship structures, and I am deeply committed to creating a space that is affirming, inclusive and safe, especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples.
Whether you’re exploring identity, navigating relationship dynamics, or simply seeking a space where you can show up as your full self, you are welcome here. I’m here to help you reconnect with what matters most and move forward with intention. Reaching out for help can feel scary, maybe even like admitting something is wrong. But I believe it is one of the bravest things you can do. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here to walk it with you.
Outside of therapy you can find me baking bread, drinking coffee or exploring the snack aisle at Whole Foods. 🙂
Emily sees clients in both our Independence and Overland Park offices.

Yunyao Zhu
S-MFT
You may sometimes feel frustrated, alone, or disconnected when stuck in old patterns—I am here to help you navigate these challenges with compassion and clarity. I work with couples facing communication struggles, sexual desire discrepancies, and cultural differences. I also support families in strengthening parent–child relationships, fostering mutual respect and harmony at home. For individuals, I provide support through depression and anxiety, identity exploration, and major life transitions.
I am a culturally sensitive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and sex-positive therapist who strives to create a safe, open, and respectful space for everyone. My approach is collaborative and grounded in hope. I believe you are the driver of your own life journey—my role is to hold up the map, point out possible routes, and walk alongside you as you navigate challenges and pursue growth.
I grew up in China and moved to the U.S. for my education and career. I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to coffee shops and thrift stores, and exploring nature.
Together, we’ll work toward building fulfilling relationships—with yourself, with loved ones, and with the world around you.
Yunyao sees clients both our Independence and Overland Park offices and offers services in both English and Chinese to support clients in accessing therapy services in the language they feel most comfortable with.

Amaya Ballard-Traylor
PLPC
One of the hardest parts of being in a relationship is learning the balance between individuality and togetherness. How do we stay connected without losing ourselves? How do we honor our own needs while making room for someone else’s? I love helping individuals and couples explore these questions and build relationships that allow for growth, authenticity and connection.
My approach is grounded in self-awareness, accountability, and building the courage to be vulnerable. As a BIPOC therapist, I understand how important it is to feel seen, respected, and comfortable bringing your whole self into the room. I strive to create a space where all identities, backgrounds, and experiences are welcome.
Relational work can be uncomfortable, messy, and emotional, but it can also be full of fun, excitement, transformation and joy. Let's have the hard conversations, unpack the things you’ve been carrying, and still find moments to laugh together along the way. My goal is to help individuals and couples feel more confident being themselves, more connected to one another, and empowered to build a relationship that feels genuine and fulfilling.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. You just have to be willing to show up, and I’ll meet you there!
Amaya offers secure telehealth (video) sessions to anyone residing in Missouri.

Maggie Fontanini
S-MFT
Our relationships can be incredibly fulfilling but also incredibly difficult, and most of us were never taught how to manage them. When you feel stuck in the same fight, your sex life isn’t working for you, or your lives feel out of sync with each other, couples therapy with me can help. You will learn valuable skills to not just stop the issue, but to move through conflict with a better understanding of your relationship and what is really happening under the surface.
For both couples and individuals, I hope to create a therapy room that feels stable, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. You are the expert of your life and I am here to be a sounding board for your life transitions, relationship problems, identity concerns, spiritual exploration, or trauma processing.
I also provide trauma-focused therapy for individuals through EMDR processing and parts work. EMDR does not make you forget what has happened, but can improve your brain and body’s reaction to painful memories or reminders. Trauma-focused therapy will always go at your own pace and include safety and regulation strategies to ensure that the hard work you’re doing is never harmful. EMDR can also be useful for breaking out of your own stuck cycles and providing regulation strategies, even if your situation doesn’t feel “traumatic” to you. Reach out with questions about these modalities if you are interested!
Outside of therapy, you can find me thrifting, reading thriller novels, collecting vinyls, or enjoying an iced latte!
Maggie sees clients in both our Independence and Overland Park offices.

Dr. Jared Anderson
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
I have been working in the field for 20 years as a therapist, clinical supervisor, teacher, academic, researcher, and author. My passion is to help individuals become more of who they want to be and to help couples build satisfying, passionate relationships that are worth wanting. I believe that when we are each operating from the best in us our relationships have a better chance of flourishing. I also teach in the areas of couples and sex therapy and human sexuality and I conduct research on factors related to healthy couple relationships.
I completed my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Kansas State University and my PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Minnesota. I grew up in the Kansas City area and I have been married to my high school sweetheart for twenty years. We have four kids and we enjoy sports, hiking, camping, international adventure travel, reading and spending time together as a family.
Jared offers secure telehealth (video) sessions to anyone residing in Kansas or Missouri.

Alison Boyles
Clinical Administrative Coordinator
Sometimes reaching out for help can be intimidating. It's natural to feel uncertain about what to expect on the other end of the phone and vulnerable when sharing deeply personal information. That's why my goal is to provide an initial point of contact that answers your questions and leaves you feeling heard and supported as you navigate seeking therapy services.
I’m genuinely invested in the well-being and success of our clients and therapists. My top priority is creating an environment where everyone feels acknowledged, empowered, and well-informed. I believe in fostering a sense of community and ensuring that individuals feel comfortable sharing their concerns and receiving the assistance they need.
Beyond my professional role, I have been fortunate to live in various locations throughout the United States and overseas while staying connected to my Midwestern roots. Whether paddleboarding down a creek, hiking a mountain, or even running a soggy race in the rain, I find solace and joy in immersing myself in nature, using outdoor adventures as a self-care means. Additionally, parenting three kids and navigating a long-time marriage to my high school sweetheart has shown me the value of growth and the endless opportunities to improve for myself and others.
