My mission is to help each person I work with become their best self, as they envision it.

As a professional counselor,  I hold the following values in high regard:

• *The healing power of the therapeutic relationship
• *A safe, encouraging, and empowering atmosphere
• *Respect for the individual

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed by the State of Missouri. My office, located on Main Street in downtown Blue Springs, is open for in-person appointments. I also offer telehealth appointments to anyone in the state of Missouri. 

Additionally, I hold a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) certification awarded by the State of Kansas, which allows me to provide telehealth services to individuals physically located within Kansas. 

My education in counseling began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. I then earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Counseling from Webster University. 

In addition to my formal education, I actively pursue professional training to enhance my knowledge and skills, which ultimately makes me a better therapist. My training includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), advanced EMDR training, and Levels 1 and 2 of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. These experiences inform my approach to treating trauma, developmental wounds, and attachment issues, always recognizing the uniqueness of each client. 

I maintain board certification with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and have successfully passed both the National Counselors Exam and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam. Additionally, I am an EMDR Certified therapist.

"Jan" is my preferred name. If you would like to verify my licensure and other official documents you will find them listed as "Janet S."

Being a therapist is not my first professional career. Life experiences changed the direction of my path toward this genuinely rewarding profession. What could be more fulfilling than the privilege of walking alongside my clients on their journey to healing? In my view, not much! I witness many clients reaching their goals, and I hear how their efforts have a positive trickle-down effect on their relationships. 

My experience as a counseling client motivated me to pursue a Master of Arts degree, which I began in 2002. Until that point, I had never considered changing my career path. I found great value in my previous work and had developed a leadership role, which I envisioned maintaining for the rest of my career. 

Why did I choose to be the oldest student in undergraduate classrooms? It was two years earlier when my comfortably settled life imploded. Everything I held as secure and confident collapsed. During that dark and desperate time, I reached out for help, leading to an appointment with a therapist. Coincidentally, that day also marked a moment where I had to make a critical life decision. 

I’ll never forget how that therapist leaned into my story with kindness and acceptance. She said, “I cannot tell you what to do, but I promise to walk this journey with you.” Many well-meaning friends, family members, books, and church leaders had offered advice on how to move forward. However, no one had promised to walk the path with me. In that moment, I was no longer alone. 

Research shows that a significant factor in the change achieved through therapy is the quality of the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. My goal is for every client to recognize and appreciate their individuality. I strive to create a trusting environment where clients can freely express their hurts, thoughts, and dreams without fear of judgment. I seek to support them through the concerns that brought them to my office or computer screen. Together, we celebrate their achievements when they reach their goals, and I help them prepare to fly solo.

Regardless of whether you decide to work with me or another therapist, I want to share my story to encourage you. It's important to find a counselor you feel comfortable with, as they can support you on your journey. You don’t have to go through this alone.