Independence, MO Providers

Laurie Carpenter is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kansas and Missouri. She holds certifications as a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. As the CEO of Authentic Life

Laurie Carpenter is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kansas and Missouri. She holds certifications as a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. As the CEO of Authentic Life Clinical Counseling and Wellness, Laurie is committed to fostering a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel safe and supported on their journey toward healing and growth.

Laurie's approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and a strengths-based perspective, allowing her to connect deeply with her clients and help them navigate their challenges with confidence and resilience. She believes in the power of personalized care and works diligently to tailor her therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Whether you are dealing with anxiety, trauma, or other life challenges, Laurie is here to provide expert guidance and compassionate support. She looks forward to walking alongside you on your path to wellness. 

In her free time she enjoys her family, friends, faith and football. 

Laurie is in network with Aetna, BCBS, UHC, Cigna, Tricare and Optum.  

Rachael is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and has been with Authentic Life since 2021. Rachael graduated from University of Central Missouri in 2018 and went on to get her Masters in Social Work at Park University and graduated in 2019. Rachael has previous work experience in community mental health working with adults with sev

Rachael is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and has been with Authentic Life since 2021. Rachael graduated from University of Central Missouri in 2018 and went on to get her Masters in Social Work at Park University and graduated in 2019. Rachael has previous work experience in community mental health working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness, working in adult inpatient psychiatric care, and working at a middle school as a school social worker for 2 years. 

Rachael enjoys working with adolescents, young adults, and adults and finds her passion partnering with clients to improve their ability to manage their symptoms and understand their emotions. Rachael takes a person-centered approach to therapy and meets clients where they are at emotionally. Rachael is competent in treating depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and improving social skills. Rachael welcomes and consistently works to create a safe environment for individuals of diverse backgrounds and orientations. Rachael is excited to be a provider at Authentic Life full time where she thoroughly enjoys her individual work with clients and the positive work atmosphere. In her free time Rachael enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her cats, watching the Chiefs, gardening, and reading.

Rachael is in network with, Aetna, BCBS, UHC, Cigna, Tricare and Optum.

 Seeking help can be challenging, especially in a society where treatment is sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness. However, I learned early in my career that seeking support is a profound act of strength. 

Since earning my MSW in 2015, I have had the privilege of serving both minors and adults dealing with emotional regulation, depressio

 Seeking help can be challenging, especially in a society where treatment is sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness. However, I learned early in my career that seeking support is a profound act of strength. 

Since earning my MSW in 2015, I have had the privilege of serving both minors and adults dealing with emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, substance use, and issues related to grief and loss. I also enjoy helping couples navigate the challenges of their relationships.

I am currently licensed in Missouri and Minnesota. My therapeutic approach incorporates a variety of treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, motivational interviewing, and I take  a strengths-based perspective.

I strive to help clients identify the root causes of their distress and ultimately live a life full of peace, passion, and purpose. If you are struggling, I welcome you to reach out. I look forward to helping you achieve your wellness goals.

Matt is in-network with Aetna, BCBS, UHC, Medicare, Cigna, Tricare, and Optum.

 "I did not come into this work on accident. I believe that therapists can only take people as far as they have journeyed themselves. I am here because I have had my own struggles, sadness, hurt, trauma and growth and it has led me to become passionate about the ability we have to heal. I believe that being truly seen, truly understood, a

 "I did not come into this work on accident. I believe that therapists can only take people as far as they have journeyed themselves. I am here because I have had my own struggles, sadness, hurt, trauma and growth and it has led me to become passionate about the ability we have to heal. I believe that being truly seen, truly understood, and having someone to help guide you through the challenges of life is profoundly powerful to our happiness, wholeness and experience of the world and each other.

I have been doing this work for nearly 6 years and specialize in offering DBT, GESTALT, EMDR and CBT to people whom have experienced grief, loss, have low self-esteem, trauma, anxiety and depression. I have done extensive work with people whom have BPD and love that work deeply. I use a combination of these modalities and client centered work to learn and understand you, while helping you learn about and understand yourself.

I have been trained in the above modalities and used them in my own therapy. I have worked for several years with co-occurring disorders, and severe and persistent mental health disorders. This job is my passion and I am so grateful I get to do it."

Amber is in network with  is in network with Aetna, BCBS, UHC,  Cigna, Tricare and Optum. 

Amber works with  children and adults ages 10 and up. She provides individual, couples and family therapy. 

Debra Richardson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is licensed in both MO and KS. Debra attended the University of Kansas and received her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. Debra has over 25 years experience in a variety of mental health settings.  

 Debra enjoys working with Individuals, Families and Couples and is honored 

Debra Richardson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is licensed in both MO and KS. Debra attended the University of Kansas and received her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. Debra has over 25 years experience in a variety of mental health settings.  

 Debra enjoys working with Individuals, Families and Couples and is honored to be a part of the healing and growth of others.  

Debra specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues. She uses evidence based treatment approaches including CBT, DBT and trauma-informed therapy. 

Debra's goal as a therapist is to normalize counseling services and facilitate a safe environment for mental health services.

For self care, Debra enjoys reading, working out, listening to music, especially jazz and spending time with family and friends.

Debra is in network with Aetna, BCBS, UHC, Cigna, Tricare and Optum. 

Debra works with adults. She provides individual, couples and family therapy. 

Tisha Griffith is on a dedicated path to becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor, diligently accumulating hours and experience. Her expertise extends to various areas, including life and coping skills, women’s issues, addiction recovery, and dual diagnosis.

Having personally triumphed over substance use, Tisha brings more than two years of re

Tisha Griffith is on a dedicated path to becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor, diligently accumulating hours and experience. Her expertise extends to various areas, including life and coping skills, women’s issues, addiction recovery, and dual diagnosis.

Having personally triumphed over substance use, Tisha brings more than two years of recovery experience to her role. Her passion lies in empowering others to achieve their unique success stories. She collaborates closely with our clinical staff, providing individual peer coaching across diverse life situations.

As a group co-facilitator, Tisha fosters connection and growth within our community. When you reach out to Authentic Life in Independence, she’s the friendly voice on the other end. Tisha assesses your needs and ensures you’re matched with the most suitable therapist.

Beyond work, Tisha cherishes family time, engages in service work, and actively participates in recovery-based activities. Her commitment to well-being extends to both herself and those she serves.

Pastor Thomas Miller is a highly experienced professional biblical counselor and life coach, dedicated to helping individuals find healing, restoration, spiritual maturity, and personal growth through the application of biblical principles. With a strong foundation in ministry and a deep understanding of human behavior, Pastor Miller has 

Pastor Thomas Miller is a highly experienced professional biblical counselor and life coach, dedicated to helping individuals find healing, restoration, spiritual maturity, and personal growth through the application of biblical principles. With a strong foundation in ministry and a deep understanding of human behavior, Pastor Miller has guided countless individuals on their journey to emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being.

Education and Credentials:

Thomas holds a Master of Management and Leadership degree, equipping him with valuable skills in leadership development and organizational management, which allows him to counsel working professionals. He further pursued a Bachelor's degree in Christian Counseling, combining his passion for ministry with his desire to provide effective counseling rooted in faith. Pastor Miller has also obtained an Emotional Intelligence (EQi) Coach Certification, enabling him to guide clients in understanding and managing their emotions effectively. Additionally, he holds a SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Coach Certification, allowing him to assist couples in building strong and lasting marriages.

Ministry Experience: With over 10 years of ministry experience, John has served as a trusted advisor and counselor to individuals seeking spiritual guidance and support as both a Certified Chaplain and a licensed and ordained Pastor. Through his compassionate and empathetic approach, he has provided biblical counseling to individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, and spiritual growth. John's expertise lies in integrating biblical principles with evidence-based counseling techniques to address the holistic needs of his clients.

Specializations: As a biblical counselor and life coach, Thomas Miller specializes in the following areas:

1. Emotional      and Spiritual Healing: Pastor Miller helps individuals navigate through      emotional pain, trauma, and spiritual struggles, providing a safe and      supportive environment for healing and restoration.
2. Relationship      Counseling: With his SYMBIS Coach Certification, Pastor Miller offers      premarital counseling and relationship coaching, equipping couples with      the necessary tools for a strong and healthy marriage.
3. Personal      Growth and Transformation: John assists individuals in discovering their      true identity, purpose, and potential, helping them overcome self-limiting      beliefs and achieve personal and spiritual growth, often using Emotional      Intelligence testing and techniques to achieve maximum results for his      clients. 

By combining his extensive ministry experience, educational background, and specialized certifications, Miller is dedicated to empowering individuals to live purposeful and fulfilling lives, rooted in faith and guided by biblical principles.