✦ Serving Missouri & Kansas ✦

Where Healing
Begins

Compassionate, insight-driven counseling for individuals, couples, and families. You don't have to walk through it alone.

You deserve to feel
free again

20+
Years of Experience
Est.
2020
Journey Embraced
6
Licensed Clinicians
MO+KS
States Licensed

Do you feel stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed? Is your mind constantly racing—especially at night—making it hard to rest? Do you find yourself avoiding conflict, even if it means accepting less than you deserve?

Maybe you're recovering from narcissistic abuse—whether from a partner, a family member, or in the workplace. Perhaps you're trying to find balance between work and life, or just navigating a difficult season.

Is your adolescent son or daughter in need of a mentor or healing space to talk? Are you a man seeking guidance on identity, purpose, or emotional health? Would you benefit from counseling that aligns with your Christian faith?

Whatever you're facing, you don't have to walk through it alone. Your goals matter. It's okay to ask for support — and we're here to walk alongside you on your journey.

Recognition
🏆
KC People's Choice — Best Therapist
Finalist 2023 & 2025
⚖️
Licensed in Missouri & Kansas
Clinical Supervision Certified
🤝
In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Shawnee, KS · 12480 W. 62 Terr.
What We Offer

Specialties & Services

01
Individual Counseling

One-on-one therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal growth in a safe, judgment-free space.

02
Couples & Relationship

Restore harmony and communication. Navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and grow together.

03
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

Specialized support for those healing from emotionally abusive dynamics with partners, family, or at work.

04
Adolescent Support

A nurturing space for teens to build resilience, coping skills, confidence, and emotional health.

05
Men's Mental Health

Focused support for men navigating identity, purpose, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing.

06
Faith-Based Counseling

Counseling that integrates and honors your Christian faith throughout the healing journey.

07
Group Therapy

Therapeutic groups for family healing, wounded identity, co-dependence recovery, and youth music groups.

08
Life Coaching

Practical guidance for goal setting, self-improvement, and living with intention and clarity.

09
Athletic Mental Performance

Certified consulting for adolescent athletes, high performers, and military personnel.

Meet Your
Counselors

Each member of our team brings unique expertise, lived experience, and a deep commitment to walking alongside you. Use the dropdown menu above to jump directly to any counselor.

Book Any Counselor
Founder Tanise Smith, MS LCPC
Tanise Smith
MS, LCPC · Clinical Psychotherapist · Founder
Narcissistic Abuse RecoveryTrauma Depression & AnxietyGrief RelationshipsFaith-Based Group Therapy

Tanise is a clinically licensed psychotherapist in Kansas and Missouri and the Founder of Journey Embraced Counseling (est. 2020). With over 20 years of experience, she provides compassionate, insight-driven care for individuals navigating narcissistic abuse recovery, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges.

She was honored to be a nominated finalist for Best Therapist in the Kansas City People's Choice Awards in 2023 and 2025. She has supported hundreds of clients healing from emotionally abusive dynamics and specializes in attachment, identity development, and relational growth.

Tanise also leads specialty therapeutic groups focused on family healing, wounded identity, co-dependence recovery, and youth music-based groups. She serves as a certified clinical supervisor in Kansas and Missouri, as well as a consultant for emerging private practice clinicians.

"I look forward to sharing genuine support alongside you on your journey."

Natasha Harris-Butler, LCSW LSCSW
Natasha Harris-Butler
LCSW, LSCSW · Clinical Social Worker / Therapist
Anxiety & OverthinkingDepression Stress ManagementDivorce Recovery GriefCBTGroup Therapy

Natasha is a Kansas and Missouri Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been serving individuals and families since 2006. She specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients effectively manage anxiety, overthinking, stress, and depression.

Natasha is passionate about equipping individuals with practical, evidence-based tools to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and build healthier coping strategies. She also facilitates therapeutic groups designed to address anxiety and provide structured skill-building in a supportive environment.

She is also the author of Anchored by Grace: Prayers for Keeping an Undivided Heart After Divorce, a prayer journal supporting individuals navigating the emotional and spiritual journey of divorce.

"I listen; I share empathy, understanding, and unconditional positive regard. My hope is to help clients draw from their strengths while cultivating an undivided heart."

Debra Richardson, LSCSW LCSW
Debra Richardson
LSCSW, LCSW · Clinical Social Worker / Psychotherapist
DepressionAnxiety Relationship ChallengesGrief & Loss CBTResilience Building

Debra is a Kansas and Missouri Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in social work and mental health. Throughout her career, she has served individuals and families in a variety of clinical settings and remains deeply committed to helping others move toward healing and wellness.

Debra views therapy as a guided conversation that creates space for growth, clarity, and meaningful change. Her approach is interactive, conversational, and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

"My goal is to normalize the therapy process and provide a supportive environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped to move forward with confidence."

Chris Gudjenov, LPC
Chris Gudjenov
LPC · Under Clinical Supervision · Adolescent Athletes & Men's Mental Health
Adolescent AthletesMen's Mental Health Anxiety & DepressionMilitary Families Substance UseMental Performance Life Transitions

Chris is a Licensed Professional Counselor (KS) practicing under clinical supervision with over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. For the past seven years, he has supported U.S. Army service members and their families through resilience training, CBT-based skill development, and substance use support.

As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Chris specializes in working with adolescent athletes, high performers, and men navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys hiking, staying active outdoors, and playing just about any sport he can get his hands on.

"Using a Cognitive-Behavioral approach, I help clients build self-awareness, manage anxiety, and develop practical tools that create lasting growth—both on and off the field."

Cynthia Stokes, LCC
Cynthia Stokes
LCC · Certified Life Coach / Administrative Coordinator
Adolescents & TeensWomen's Coaching Christian MentorshipLife Stress Marital ChallengesParenthood Confidence Building

Cynthia Stokes is a certified life coach with an extensive background as an instructor and mentor. She specializes in working with adolescents and teens, supporting them as they navigate emotional and mental challenges while building practical coping skills, confidence, and resilience.

She also works with women from diverse backgrounds and is especially passionate about providing Christian mentorship and coaching to women navigating life stress, marital challenges, and the journey of parenthood. As a wife of over 19 years and a mother of five, Cynthia brings both professional insight and personal experience to her work.

"I am committed to helping clients build confidence, overcome mental and emotional barriers, and move forward with greater clarity and peace."

Jonathan Slade, B.Th.
Jonathan Slade
B.Th. · Pastoral Counselor & Men's Life Coach
Pastoral CounselingMen's Life Coaching Faith & PurposeServant Leadership Goal SettingLife Transitions Family

Jonathan is a pastor and life coach with a deep passion for helping people find clarity, healing, and purpose in every season of life. With years of experience walking alongside individuals and families through times of transition and growth, he provides practical, faith-based guidance to support emotional, spiritual, and personal development.

Jonathan is especially committed to supporting men in their journey toward becoming servant leaders — whether at home, at work, or in their communities.

Jonathan is a devoted husband and proud father of four. He enjoys mixed martial arts, hiking, anime, and family time.

"My approach is centered on creating a safe, encouraging space where you can reflect, realign, and move forward with confidence and hope."

Ready to begin your journey?

Schedule a session today or reach out to learn more about our community workshops and therapeutic groups. We serve Missouri and Kansas clients both in-person and virtually.

Book a Session Now
Client Stories