Ready for Better: A Fresh Perspective on Counseling Kansas City
Let’s start by admitting the obvious here: “counseling” and “therapy” come with some heaaaavy connotations. That super-unfortunate stigma that only crazy people go to therapy breaks my poor heart. And then, we go ahead and vilify men for seeking help and claim that somehow masculinity is threatened when they seek out a place to share their feelings. I’ve heard clients claim that their problems aren’t drastic enough, or the reverse, that their issues are beyond help. So if you are someone who feels too angsty, too broken, too happy, too poor, too wealthy, too crazy, too much or too protective of your image, join the club.
I don’t want to convince you that you need counseling.
I do want to help people who are sick of their own excuses and are dying to talk about what’s really going wrong.
My Counseling Philosophy
Everyone has their stuff. We’re human. It’s part of life. We couldn’t have made it this far without accumulating some triggers from things gone wrong, lessons we’re anxious to unlearn and trauma (with a little t, don’t worry) - all sorts of little-t trauma.
So, to review: Life is real, it’s raw and it requires self-work. Sometimes that self needs more help than we’re able to do alone. That, my dear friend, is where therapy comes in. I mean facing fears, repairing relationships, grieving loss, navigating life transitions, dealing with depression, healing from trauma - all tough things that people don’t look forward to talking about.
To me, effective counseling begins with a person who sees a need for a life change. Someone who gets that this is going to be hard work, but is ready for the challenge. Someone who is not afraid to tell me that they hate their kid or have secret panic attacks or want to kill themselves. And someone who is desperately ready for me to deeply empathize and then challenge them to find something better.
This is not quick work or miracle work. It’s process work. You’ll have ups and downs. We’ll experience frustrating and rewarding moments together. It can be gut-wrenching and tear-jerking. But, if you’re ready for better, I promise something better is ready for you too.
What to Expect
Above all, in my office, you will find a safe and non-judgmental space to be yourself. Here, you are in control of where our conversation goes. It’s my job to listen, ask the right questions and help you process whatever is on your mind.
In the end I want to equip you with the tools to start chipping away at your sadness, anger, grief or fear. I want to challenge you to leave my office and take action before returning for your next session. I want to help you help you.
Why I Wanted to Start Counseling in Kansas City
My career as a therapist started later in life than a lot of counselors. After a heartbreaking divorce and some serious reflecting, I decided to make a major life change and go back to school to become a therapist.
Through grieving my own relationship and learning what life looks like after it’s flipped upside down, I realized I want to be the person that other people can lean on during the shittiest parts of life. I want to be the person that listens and responds. I want to be who I needed when my world hit the fan.
How to Find a Therapist That Works for You
Counselors are as specific and different as the clients we see. I want to find out if you’re comfortable getting into deep and dark places with me. Not just comfortable - cozy, even!
If my style seems to resonate with you, I’d be happy to schedule a free 15-30 minute phone consultation so you can see if this relationship is one you vibe with. If it’s not, I am happy to refer you to one of my many colleagues here in Kansas City.
I get it: this is your mental and emotional health we’re dealing with here. Not everyone belongs in my office. If you don’t, one of my colleagues will have you covered.
Ready for Better
Think you’re ready for better? I’d love to meet you. Whether you’re looking for individual counseling, marriage counseling, couples therapy, relationship counseling or something else, schedule your first appointment here. Or, call or email me with any of your questions/concerns at lily@lilydawson.com or 816.601.0120. I’m here to answer them all.
Be well - you have my luck and my warmest wishes for a respite from whatever you’re experiencing.
Lily