Meet Our Team

Amy Benson

LCPC, NCC

Amy believes the most important part of her role as a counselor is the caring relationship she creates with her clients. When people feel safe, supported and valued, they are able to take steps forward to make meaningful changes in their lives. Amy approaches her clients from a non-judgmental viewpoint. She will help clients navigate the stressors and challenges of life by validating feelings and then creating strategies and skills to put them on a path to acceptance, hope, and change. Amy uses a variety of theoretical approaches in order to best meet the needs of each client. Amy enjoys working with children as young as two through adults. She has play therapy training as well as experience as a school counselor.

Focus Areas

Toddlers, children, teens, and adults

Specialties

Anxiety, depression, life transitions, family relationships, and trauma. LGBTQ+/Gender identity, ADHD, and Behavioral Challenges

Jaclyn Kirwan

LSCSW

Jaclyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of 20 years and has worked in the field of mental health during that time doing therapy, assessments, crisis work, and supervising. Jaclyn works with a very wide range of issues and uses evidence-based practices to ensure that she is effective in the work that she does. She is a passionate and relatable therapist who brings empathy, support, understanding and knowledge to people that she serves. Jaclyn has experience treating trauma that includes extensive Internal Family Systems training (also known as “parts work”) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Additionally, she has years of experience using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, and is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Personally and professionally, Jaclyn enjoys connecting with others, learning and teaching, drawing, reading, being in nature, enjoying life with friends and family, learning new parent/life hacks, and trying to keep her plant addiction under control and alive.

Focus Areas

Supporting Parents with Children who Struggle with Mental Illness or Behavioral Issues, First Break Psychosis treatment for Young Adults, Women’s Issues, Life Transitions, Discovery of and Exploration of Self, Teaching Coping Skills to Youth and Adults

Specialties

Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, First Break Psychosis, LGBTQ+ related issues, Life transitions, DBT, EMDR and IFS

Lara Troutner

LSCSW, LCSW, Trauma Specialist, EMDR and DBT trained

Lara has been a Clinical Social Worker supporting children and adolescents and has worked in private practice, schools and hospitals for over 24 years. Lara is passionate about teaching adolescents and young adults how to navigate relationships, increase self acceptance and manage their anxiety and depression. She earned her degree in Psychology from University of Missouri and her MSW from University of Kansas. She is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas and can see clients in Overland Park and Kansas City.

Lara is skilled in utilizing DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Lara uses DBT and mindfulness skills to help clients develop stronger relationships with others and a better insight into their thoughts and behaviors. Lara has also completed extensive EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) training which can allow clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety or depression to better regulate their distress and begin to heal.

Lara is easily relatable to her clients and is passionate about having connections with everyone she meets. She has three teenagers and loves traveling and spending time with her husband and children.

Focus Areas

Children age 8+, Adolescents and Young Adults. Family Therapy, Women of all ages

Specialties

Trauma Focused, Depression, Anxiety, Family Therapy, Gender Identity/LGBTQ+, School related issues, Life transitions, DBT, EMDR