Play Therapists in Independence, MO

I am currently accepting clients who are interested in learning mindfulness. I work with all populations: adults, teens, children, those with autism/aspergers, etc. I am also a certified yoga therapist currently obtaining training in somatic yoga.

Hi! I'm Dr. John VanderKaay. I'm a Texas Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor and Missouri and Colorado Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Board Certified in both Professional Christian Counseling and Pastoral Counseling and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. I have more than thirty years experience in ministry; Fifteen years in military chaplaincy, in both Active Duty and Reserves, including combat tour of duty in Iraq; Selected as Senior Protestant Chaplain twice as a Captain; Featured in several newspapers, US Air Force website and Department of Defense’s Real Warriors program for work in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Intervention. I hold a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies, a Masters of Divinity, specializing in Pastoral Counseling, and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family Counseling. My wife, Terri, have been married 30+ years and have five kids: two married daughters and two sons-in-law, Danielle & Kendall, and Lydia and Blane, and three sons, Timothy, Stephen, and Nate.

I am a warm, supportive, clinician who will tailor the therapeutic experience to your unique needs. You will find me to be a trusted partner dedicated to your well-being. I specialize in empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges related to anxiety, trauma, depression, executive functioning, self-esteem, and behavior problems. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, I tailor evidence-based interventions to each individual and family I work with. Contact me today for a free consultation and we will work toward making positive changes and personal growth.

Working collaboratively we will fix the problems that take away from your ability to enjoy family, friends, hobbies and work.

Each of us faces obstacles and difficulties in life differently, and at times we can all use help. Individuals frequently seek my services during times of transition, when decision making appears to have a greater impact on our future directions.

Independence is a Kansas City suburb with a distinctive character rooted in its historical significance as the starting point of the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails and as the world headquarters of the Community of Christ—a significant Latter Day Saint denomination—as well as being the hometown of President Harry S. Truman, a combination that gives the city a particular civic identity unusual for a suburb of its size. The religious community anchored by the Community of Christ Temple creates both a strong support network and specific mental health considerations around faith, doubt, and community belonging for those navigating their relationship with the church. Centerpoint Medical Center and the broader Kansas City health system provide behavioral health resources to Independence and surrounding communities. Common therapy concerns include faith and spiritual identity, commuter stress from the Kansas City metro, economic anxiety, family and relationship issues, and the particular dynamics of a community where civic pride and religious heritage are deeply intertwined.

Gender ID

	80%	Female
	20%	Male

Session Type

	85%	In Person and Online
	15%	Online Only

Top Specialties

92%	Anxiety or Fears
92%	Depression
85%	Parenting
77%	Child or Adolescent Issues
77%	Divorce
69%	Self Esteem
69%	Stress

Ages Served

100%	Adult
85%	Teen
77%	Children
77%	Young Adult
62%	Senior

Client Focus

54%	Women
31%	LGBTQ+
23%	Men
23%	Military / Veterans
15%	Black / African American

Play therapists in Independence, MO

Tracy Hadel

Restoration Counseling Ministries

Linda Friedman

Dr. Jennifer Baumgardner

Lisa Saponaro

Play Therapy therapists in Independence, MO Statistics

Average years in practice

Average cost per session

Accept insurance

Offer sliding scale