our values
Get to Nature
Nature therapy is really simple: outdoor activities with a little guidance & structure from a health professional or nature guide. Farming, gardening, landscaping, nature walks, shinrin-yoku (or forest bathing for those of us with minimal Japanese language skills) & so much more! Do you garden? Thatโs Nature Therapy! Do you hike? Backpack? Stroll around the block? All these things can be forms of Nature Therapy if practicing these helpful skills. Sometimes we need to get out of our little boxes and adventure outdoors.
Intentional Movement
Purposeful exercise is a wonderful healer & can be implemented at many levels for most. Some of us are managing chronic pain or fatigue, chromosomal dysfunction, injury recovery or hormonal changes that limit our ability to exercise in all ways. Thankfully, we believe there are purposeful movements we can all practice to increase our moods & decrease anxietyโฆall while maintaining safety for our bodies.
Connection
In December of 2015, I began writing year-end tangible goals with clear, reachable objectives. A re-occurring theme in that process was my strong need for connection. With myself. With nature. With others. And then it hit me like a brick: backpacking! Outside: check. No screens: check. Meaningful quality time with close friends: check. Then the planning & gear acquisition phase took off. And before you know it, I was taking off into the Ozark woods on a weekend adventure to rejuvenate & re-connect.
You are not alone - we can help
Depression & anxiety continue to wreak havoc on thousands throughout the KC metro. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 1 in 5 of all Americans suffer from mental illness. With nearly 5 percent managing severe & persistent mental illness. The good news is YOU are NOT ALONE & there are effective strategies for all sorts of problems, personalities & styles.
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All the Small Things
I believe in the power of small things - Sometimes all we have is a small kindness. I'd argue it's often the only thing we have. I occasionally get caught too far into the next big adventure, profound meaning, grand gesture to inspire and the like. Maybe it's the old-man millennial in me looking for greater and grander purpose. I don't know. I have realized and believe more than ever that diminishing the small things often comes from a place of privilege. I'm lucky to have so much.
The holidays are often painted as a season of joy and celebration. But for those carrying a heavy heart, this time of year can be challenging, amplifying the pain of a significant loss. The cheer and gatherings may feel like constant reminders of a person who is no longer there, leading to deep emotional distress and even distressing memories. But there is hope. For those grappling with intense feelings of grief or even traumatic grief, EMDR therapy offers a promising path forward. This therapeutic approach is particularly effective for those who have experienced a traumatic event and are finding it difficult to move through the natural process of grief.
Grieving the loss of a loved one can be an incredibly difficult time, filled with waves of emotions that often catch us off guard. As a close friend or family member, finding the right words to offer support can feel overwhelming. Whether youโre writing a condolences letter to a grieving person or trying to express your own emotions in a personal letter, understanding the importance of your message is key. In this blog, weโll break down a template for writing a heartfelt grief letter, addressing the impact of the holidays, and discuss how grief can be mistaken for other things.
Additionally, for those struggling with grief, weโll provide resources like a loss worksheet or grief worksheet and offer insights on the next step in healing. If youโre in Kansas City, Missouri, or the surrounding areas such as Springfield or St. Louis, grief therapy or working with grief therapists can be a powerful aid in the healing process. So, let's walk through how you can write a grief letter that offers hope, healing, and a pathway forward.
Relationships are a beautiful blend of trust, love, and mutual respectโor at least they should be. But when controlling behavior creeps in, what could be a healthy relationship can quickly spiral into something toxic and damaging. Control issues often manifest subtly at first but can grow into serious emotional abuse over time, affecting self-esteem and overall mental health. Whether it's constant monitoring, making unilateral decisions, or emotional manipulation, control in intimate relationships can wreak havoc on both partnersโ well-being.
In this blog post, weโll dive into the nature of control issues in relationships, how they affect self-esteem, and how to recognize warning signs. Weโll also explore resources in Kansas City for those facing domestic violence and the crucial steps for building healthier relationships.
Healing from intimate partner violence (IPV) is a challenging but transformative journey that requires courage and support. In this blog, weโll explore essential steps like rebuilding trust, practicing self-forgiveness, and rediscovering joy, while highlighting valuable resources in Kansas City for survivors. With the right therapeutic approaches and a supportive community, overcoming the trauma of IPV is possible, paving the way for hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Trauma can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, often leading to triggersโseemingly harmless stimuli like sounds or smells that provoke intense emotional reactions rooted in past trauma. Managing these triggers is a crucial part of the healing process, and trauma therapy provides tools to help. In Kansas City, where urban and suburban life blend, local therapists offer specialized trauma therapy to help individuals identify, understand, and respond to their triggers in healthier, more effective ways.
Trauma can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible with the right support. Whether caused by a single event or a series of painful experiences, trauma leaves lasting effects on our minds and bodies. Compassionโboth for ourselves and from othersโis one of the most powerful tools in the healing process. Our specialized team of trauma therapists at GoKC is here to provide the compassionate care you need on your path to recovery. Read this blog for more info on how compassion plays a crucial role in trauma healing and how our team can support you.
Looking to elevate your self-esteem while enjoying the great outdoors? Missouriโs public nature areas offer the perfect setting to combine exercise with mental wellness. In this blog, we explore how physical activity in scenic spots like Katy Trail State Park and Forest Park can enhance your confidence and overall sense of well-being. Discover the psychological benefits of "green exercise," and get inspired by real-life stories of individuals who boosted their self-esteem through outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking, cycling, or practicing yoga, Missouri's natural beauty is here to support your journey to a healthier, more confident you.
In todayโs digital age, social media and screens dominate our lives, often at the expense of our mental health and self-esteem. This blog explores how reducing social media and screen time can reclaim self-worth and enhance real-world connections. By engaging in physical activities, building genuine relationships, and setting boundaries with technology, we can boost our self-esteem and combat loneliness. Join us in discovering practical steps to decrease screen time and foster meaningful connections, supported by self-esteem therapy in Kansas City, MO.
Low self-esteem can feel like a constant companion, casting a shadow over our lives. It's a nagging voice that whispers, "You're not good enough," making us second-guess ourselves and our worth. But resilience โ the ability to bounce back from adversity โ is something we can cultivate to counteract these feelings and build a more confident, hopeful outlook. For those struggling with self-esteem issues, seeking Therapy for Self-Esteem in Kansas City, MO, can be a valuable step toward building resilience and fostering a healthier self-image.
Anxiety and low self-esteem are frequent companions. They each fuel the other in a relentless cycle. This dynamic duo often invites more unwelcome guests. These can include depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, and OCD in the mix. The impact on daily life can be profound. It can affect everything from personal relationships to professional ambitions. Recognizing this interconnectedness is the first step toward addressing the root causes and finding effective strategies for breaking the cycle. Seeking professional help, such as Therapy for Self-Esteem in Kansas City, MO, can provide the support and tools needed to manage these challenges and work towards a healthier, more balanced life. Let's dive into the tangled web they weave and explore ways to untangle it. Together, we can identify the root causes. We can also implement effective coping mechanisms. Ultimately, we can break the cycle of anxiety and low self-esteem.
Trauma is like an uninvited guest that barges into your life. One that often leaves behind a trail of chaos and disruption. Whether it's a single, overwhelming event or prolonged exposure to distressing situations, trauma can significantly impact various aspects of our lives. This includes our self-esteem. Understanding how trauma affects self-esteem and how to navigate the road to recovery with hope and compassion is essential. Especially for anyone seeking to heal and reclaim their sense of self-worth. If you're on this journey, consider Therapy for Self-Esteem in Kansas City, MO. GOKC can give you the support and guidance you need to rebuild your self-esteem and move forward with resilience.
Healthy relationships are the cornerstone of a happy life. And what is the secret ingredient to these healthy relationships? Good boundaries. Boundaries aren't just about keeping others in check; they're crucial for our own self-esteem and mental well-being. So, let's dive into the world of boundaries and discover how setting them can boost your self-esteem. If you're looking for support in this journey, consider Therapy for Self-Esteem in Kansas City, MO. Professional guidance with GOKC can help you establish and maintain healthy boundaries. This can ultimately enhance your self-worth and overall mental health.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of our self-worth. Social media comparisons, workplace pressures, and personal challenges can chip away at our confidence. Enter the self-esteem therapist, the unsung hero of personal growth. These professionals specialize in helping individuals rebuild their self-esteem, a critical foundation for a happy and successful life. This is done through Therapy for Self-Esteem in Kansas City, MO. In this blog, we'll explore how a self-esteem therapist can guide you on the journey to building confidence.
First things first, letโs acknowledge something crucial: young adulthood is a time of significant identity development. It's completely normal to feel unsure about who you are and where you're going. You're not supposed to have all the answers right now, and that's okay. This period of exploration and self-discovery is an essential part of growing up. Embracing this uncertainty rather than fearing it can transform these transitions into opportunities for growth. Now that we have that covered we can move on to how Nature Therapy in Kansas City, MO can be a great place to start that development.
Explore KC Nature
Kansas City is gleaming with the opportunity to connect with nature through our awesome parks system, conservation areas & diverse ecosystems. Our rivers, creeks & woodland options are waiting for you to explore.