Well, first and foremost, the “boring” stuff. My name is Morgan, and I am 26 years old. I got my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Missouri State University with a minor in Criminology. During my undergraduate years, I conducted some research with one of my professors, specifically on reformatting PEAK Assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as a Gender Stereotyping research study. After getting my bachelor’s degree, I worked for a year as a Behavioral Health Technician in a residential inpatient behavioral health facility, as well as a caseworker for the State of Missouri. I then decided to attend graduate school and get my master’s degree in order to pursue the career I have always wanted!
I recently graduated in December of 2023 with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. After I graduated, I decided to make the big move away from St. Louis, where I was born and raised and came to KCMO to be closer to significant others and friends and to start my career as a therapist. Now, yes, yes, I am from St. Louis, and I am a giant St. Louis Blues Hockey fan!! But I will say that in the short time I have been here, KC has grown on me!
Outside of the therapy session, I am your typical 26-year-old. I love any and all movies! From the worst comedies to the *masterpieces*, you can find me at the movie theater often. I have a, let’s say, semi-healthy obsession with coffee and am always looking for cafe recommendations! I also enjoy going on walks and being out in nature, especially if it’s with a camera to take pictures.
I love photography and even took some photography classes growing up. I even have my own professional camera for when the mood strikes me. I really enjoy working out in all sorts of ways, be it weights, running, yoga, etc. Being able to get up and move is such a good way for your body to release all the stress and tension from the day. A really big hobby of mine that helps me process any emotion is painting! I love to paint just random shapes or lines or can be images of actual things. Something about the paintbrush and making the paint strokes is so calming to me. It always helps when I am stressed out.
Just a Flight Away
I am a really big person on experiences and making the most out of the time we do have. That being said, I love to travel! I have been to so many states, and I’m pretty sure I’ve lost count by now. I have also been to France and Monaco, and I will be going to Ireland later this year! Being able to experience different things and different cultures is always such an eye-opening experience. I love being able to go see all the different sites and enjoy all the planet has to offer. Traveling is such a good way to reset for me, going and having all new experiences and coming back refreshed and feeling like a new, wiser person.
Why Therapy?
The good old question, “Why did you become a therapist?” Well, the simple answer is I have always wanted to be a therapist ever since I could remember. You can thank Criminal Minds for introducing me to Psychology and this entire field in elementary school. I have always enjoyed helping others and making sure they are doing the best they can. I, like most of us in the field, have my own mental health struggles and experiences with anxiety and depression, as well as substance abuse and Alzheimer’s disease that runs in my family.
I know the value therapy can have in all aspects of life and just how important having your own coping skills to use for yourself and your mental health is! We are all human and are still learning every day, and I hope to be a support for those who need it. Life is unpredictable, it’s messy. We all are still learning and growing in order to tackle any obstacles that are thrown our way. It’s important for all of us to have someone to lean on, talk to, bounce ideas off of, collaborate on ways to go about things, and that is how I view the therapeutic relationship. My hope and goal is to offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental space for anyone who needs it to process all of life’s ups and downs. I hope to help and work with those adults (18+) who struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, career changes, trauma, grief, attachment style, personality disorders, or just overall life struggles/transitions. I am welcoming of all identities, backgrounds, and walks of life.
When it comes to my approach to counseling, I think it is very important to meet where the client is, see what type of learner they are and what motivates them, and build from there. The therapeutic process is a collaborative one that relies on consistency and communication. In that sense I use a combination of approaches, specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered, and Psychodynamic. I look forward to working with you and helping to achieve whatever goals you have for yourself!
Want to Work with Morgan?
Are you interested in sessions with Morgan? Call Heartland Therapy Connection at 816-287-0252 or email directly to hello@heartlandtherapyconnection.com to schedule! Morgan has openings and is accepting new clients for in-person and telehealth sessions! Is this the right fit for you? Morgan is available to schedule free 15-minute consultation phone calls to discuss your needs. Reach out today
