Kate Ottley, PLPC
People-Pleasing, Trauma, Anxiety & First-Time Therapy Clients in Kansas City, MO
You've been meeting everyone else's needs.
Yours got pushed down.
You're the one who shows up. You say yes when you mean no, keep the peace, and make sure everyone else is okay — and somewhere along the way your own needs got quiet.
Maybe anxiety hums in the background. Maybe the weight of what you've been through is still showing up in your days. Maybe you've wanted to try therapy for a long time but felt nervous, intimidated, or unsure where to even begin.
That hesitation makes sense. You don't need to have it all figured out to start.
You deserve to be heard.
Kate Ottley is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) at gokc Healing Center in Kansas City. She works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, people-pleasing, and relationship struggles — and she is especially welcoming to first-time therapy clients.
Who Kate Works With
People-Pleasing
Sometimes we find ourselves meeting everyone else's needs while our own are forgotten and pushed down. Kate can help you rediscover your voice — because you deserve to be heard.
Trauma & Trauma Recovery
Painful experiences can leave a lasting mark on how you feel, think, and relate to others. Kate offers a steady, compassionate space to work through what you've been carrying at a pace that feels manageable — without needing to relive everything to begin healing. Learn more about trauma therapy at gokc →
Anxiety & Overwhelm
When your mind won't slow down and everything feels like too much, it's hard to feel like yourself. Kate helps you understand what's fueling the overwhelm and build practical ways to feel calmer and more in control. Learn more about anxiety therapy at gokc →
Depression & Low Mood
Low mood can make even simple things feel heavy. Kate meets you with patience and without judgment, helping you reconnect with motivation, meaning, and the parts of life that have felt out of reach.
Relationship Struggles
Whether it's communication breakdowns, feeling unheard, or losing yourself in a relationship, Kate helps you understand your patterns and build healthier connections — with others and with yourself. Kate also works with couples.
First-Time Therapy Clients
For those who feel intimidated, nervous, or unsure about starting therapy, you will be welcomed with kindness and understanding. Kate has been in your shoes and does not downplay how difficult it can be to take that first step.
Navigating What Life Throws at You
Life changes — and sometimes all at once. Kate supports you through transitions, stress, and the unexpected so you can feel steadier and more like yourself.
Kate works with adults throughout the Kansas City metro — including Brookside, Waldo, Midtown, Westport, Overland Park, Lee's Summit, and surrounding areas — as well as via telehealth across Missouri and Kansas.
Related services at gokcWhat Therapy with Kate Looks Like
Kate's approach is warm, kind, and unhurried. Sessions are a place where you can say the honest thing without being rushed, judged, or told what you "should" feel.
If you've never been to therapy, Kate will walk you through what to expect so nothing feels like a mystery. You set the pace, and the first step is simply a conversation.
"You deserve to be heard."
— Kate
Not sure if Kate is the right fit? Try the gokc Therapist Match Maker — it takes two minutes and connects you with the right person on our team.
Credentials & Background
Kate Ottley is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) practicing under clinical supervision at gokc Healing Center. She specializes in people-pleasing, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns, and she takes special care with clients who are starting therapy for the first time.
Kate is part of the gokc team, a Kansas City-based mental health practice rooted in the belief that therapy should be accessible, real, and genuinely helpful. She sees clients at gokc's Brookside office and via telehealth throughout Missouri and Kansas.
Payment Options
Kate offers private pay and a sliding scale for clients who need it. Financial concerns shouldn't be the reason you put off getting support.
Sliding Scale
Sliding scale is available with Kate.
Ask about eligibility during your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never been to therapy. Is Kate a good fit for first-timers?
Yes — first-time clients are one of Kate's favorite people to work with. She knows how intimidating that first step can feel, and she'll explain what to expect so you're never guessing. There's no wrong way to start.
What is people-pleasing therapy?
People-pleasing therapy helps you understand why you put everyone else's needs first, what that pattern has been protecting you from, and how to start making choices that include you. It isn't about becoming selfish — it's about finding your voice and building relationships where you're heard too.
Does Kate work with couples?
Yes. Kate works with couples navigating communication struggles and relationship stress. Reach out to ask about availability and rates for couples sessions.
Do you offer online therapy in Missouri and Kansas?
Yes. Kate offers telehealth sessions throughout Missouri and Kansas, in addition to in-person appointments at gokc's Brookside office in Kansas City.
What is a PLPC?
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) is a fully trained counselor completing supervised hours on the path to full licensure. Kate holds all required credentials and provides quality care with the added benefit of ongoing clinical oversight.
Do you offer a sliding scale?
Yes. Kate offers a sliding scale for clients who need it. Reach out and we'll talk through options with you.
How do I know if Kate is the right therapist for me?
The best way to find out is a brief, free consultation — a low-pressure conversation to see if it feels like a good fit. You can also try the gokc Therapist Match Maker to explore the full team. There's no commitment required.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Starting therapy takes courage — and you don't have to have it figured out before you reach out. Text, call, or book online. No pressure, no commitment.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation →Meet the full gokc therapy team — or use our Therapist Match Maker to find the right fit.