Are you going through a hard time? Or are you the parent of a child who is struggling? Life can often be very challenging! Counseling can help with a variety of issues, from understanding different mental health conditions to processing difficult emotions to learning more effective behaviors and coping strategies. Lori is a kind and compassionate person who works with both children and adults. She believes that counseling should be based around empathy, respect for the client’s right to make their own decisions, and unconditional positive regard (meaning no judging- we’re all just doing the best we can!). As a counselor, Lori strives to uplift and empower others to become the best versions of themselves. She believes that everyone can benefit from counseling and that we all have the capacity to change and overcome life’s obstacles.

Lori is a mental health counselor at our St. Joseph location. She works with a variety of issues including: anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, and autism. She is also an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and has experience working with issues unique to them.

Lori utilizes a holistic and humanistic person-centered approach, while incorporating principles of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

When working with children, Lori specializes in social and emotional skill development. She helps children address problematic behaviors that may be causing difficulty for them at home or at school. She teaches emotional regulation, conflict resolution, anger management, communication, and problem-solving skills. Lori uses games, stories, toys, and puppets as tools to make the sessions more engaging and digestible for kids.

When working with adults, Lori loves helping people process difficult things they have been through, understand their diagnoses, develop strategies for managing symptoms, and make choices that better fit the life they are trying to build. Lori likes helping young adults figure out who they are as they step out on their own away from their families and assisting adult clients in finding meaning, peace, and fulfillment in their lives.

Lori completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology from Northwest Missouri State University and a master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance (Mental Health Emphasis) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Lori has completed additional coursework in Early Childhood Special Education.

Lori is being supervised by Teresa Paterson Bartch, LPC, LCPC, RPT-S™.