✦ Dedicated Specialists

Meet Your Team

Each member of our team brings unique expertise, lived experience, and a deep commitment to walking alongside you on your healing journey.

Tanise Natasha Andrea Chris Brie Cynthia Jonathan Adrian
Tanise Smith, MS LCPC
Founder

Tanise Smith

MS, LCPC · Clinical Director · Founder
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Trauma Depression & Anxiety Grief Relationships Faith-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 & Overthinking Depression Stress Management Divorce Recovery Grief CBT Group 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.”

Andrea Campbell, LMFT

Andrea Campbell

LMFT · Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage Family Communication Depression Anxiety Trauma

Andrea Campbell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Kansas with more than 10 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges. She has a passion for strengthening relationships and specializes in working with couples seeking to improve communication, rebuild trust, navigate conflict, deepen emotional connection, and restore healthy relationship patterns.

In addition to couples counseling, Andrea provides therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and relationship difficulties. She strives to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward lasting change.

Andrea's approach is warm, collaborative, and individualized. She integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Narrative Therapy, and Collaborative Therapy, tailoring treatment to each client's unique needs, strengths, and goals.

As a Christian, Andrea offers a balanced approach that thoughtfully integrates faith into counseling when it aligns with a client's preferences, while ensuring every client receives compassionate, respectful, and individualized care. She believes healing happens in the context of safe relationships and considers it a privilege to walk alongside couples, adolescents, and individuals as they pursue healing, growth, and hope.

Chris Gudjenov, LPC

Chris Gudjenov

MS, LPC · Licensed Professional Counselor
Adolescent Athletes Men's Mental Health Anxiety & Depression Military Families Substance Use Mental 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.”

Brie Byers, MS LPC

Brie Byers

MS, LPC · Licensed Professional Counselor
Play Therapy Adolescence Therapy Anxiety & Excessive Worry Depression & Mood-related Concerns Life Transitions & Adjustment Difficulites Suicidal Thoughts & Emotional Distress Co-occurring mental health & Substance Use Concerns

Brie is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas who is passionate about helping individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. She utilizes a client-centered, humanistic approach that prioritizes authenticity, collaboration, and emotional safety. Brie values the importance of cultural identity, personal experiences, and family dynamics in the therapeutic process and strives to create a space where clients can show up fully as themselves without fear of judgment.

Brie is certified in Play Therapy and works with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges. She believes healing happens through connection, curiosity, and compassion, and she works alongside clients to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and foster meaningful change.

Brie is committed to meeting clients where they are and helping them move toward healing, resilience, and greater emotional wellness at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable.

Cynthia Stokes, LCC

Cynthia Stokes

LCC · Certified Life Coach / Administrative Director
Adolescents & Teens Women's Coaching Christian Mentorship Life Stress Marital Challenges Parenthood 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. She values family, holistic living, creative expression, and also serves as a professional photographer and writer.

“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 Counseling Men's Life Coaching Faith & Purpose Servant Leadership Goal Setting Life 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.”

Adrian Smith

Adrian Smith

Insurance and Billing Manager
Billing Insurance Inquiries Administration

Adrian has over 22 years of experience in healthcare billing and insurance administration. He assists patients with insurance verification, billing and payment inquiries, helping ensure claims are processed accurately and efficiently.

Adrian works closely with both patients and insurance providers to help make the billing process as clear and straightforward as possible.