Kristen Dua is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. She has been providing clinical services for the past 20 years; including private practice, work within schools, mental health juvenile justice, in-patient and community mental health, sexual violence recovery & victim services. She also enjoys providing relevant professional development and public speaking at conferences.
Kristen is experienced treating a variety needs such as attachment needs, anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, divorce, family stress or conflict, grief & loss, life transitions, school performance & behavior, stress management, recovery from abuse & trauma and more. She is trained in evidence-based models such as EMDR, Theraplay, Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Attachment, Resiliency & Competency (ARC).
Kristen creates a culture of caring with her genuine self & enjoys sharing knowledge about stress & resiliency at all ages. She is especially passionate about the topics of neuroscience, trauma, play therapy, and self-care. Kristen is also licensed to provide clinical supervision for counselors in Missouri and play therapy supervision for individuals seeking to become a registered play therapist.
I am an LPC, as well as a Certified School Counselor with over 10 years of experience of working with children, families and caregivers. I have a background in Human Development and Family Studies, so I see the value of the attachments we form with important people in our lives. I have worked with a variety of populations, from infancy to adulthood. In my counseling I integrate a combination of CBT, person-centered, Trauma informed, attachment based, play therapy, and strength based interventions. My main goal is to support each client in a way that works best for them in a safe place where they can learn and grow.
I’m passionate about working with and advocating for children. I’m also passionate about providing support for the caregivers in their lives. This includes parents, educators, health care workers, counselors or anyone who understands the fatigue that can come from dedicating your life to others. I also like to provide support for women's mental health.
I would love to help support you on your journey. Please reach out directly to Caylee if you are interested in setting up an appointment, please reach out directly at (816) 310-4426 or you can visit my Psychology Today link here.
Finding the right therapist is an important step, and I strive to create a space where children, adolescents, adults, and families feel safe, understood, and supported. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or your child, my goal is to build a trusting relationship that fosters healing, resilience, and meaningful growth.
With more than 20 years of experience in education and behavioral health, I bring a unique perspective to therapy. Before becoming a therapist, I served as a special education teacher, behavior interventionist, school counselor, and classroom teacher in both kindergarten and fourth grade. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside children and families navigating autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, behavioral challenges, learning differences, and emotional concerns. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for each individual’s strengths while recognizing the unique challenges they may face.
I specialize in working with clients ages 6 and older, with particular passion for supporting:
Autism and ADHD
Parent-child attachment and relationship concerns
Childhood trauma
Behavioral and emotional regulation
Anxiety and life transitions
Family relationships
As a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and holder of a Ph.D. in Special Education, I integrate evidence-based approaches that are tailored to each client’s needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your goals, therapy may incorporate EMDR, Theraplay®, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Child-Centered Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I believe healing happens through connection. Children often communicate through play, adolescents need a place where they feel heard without judgment, and adults deserve the opportunity to better understand themselves while building skills to navigate life’s challenges. I work collaboratively with clients and caregivers to create individualized treatment plans that honor each person’s strengths, experiences, and goals.
If you’re looking for a therapist who understands both the educational and emotional needs of children and families—and who values compassion, collaboration, and practical strategies—I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.
You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we can build stronger connections, develop lasting skills, and create hope for the future. Contact Kevin directly for inquiries & scheduling: kblandcounseling@gmail.com or call (816) 659-1020. *Currently under supervision with Kristen Dua, LPC, RPT-S License # 2018028295