Kansas City's Best
At Simple Empathy you get the opportunity to receive mental health treatment from some of Kansas City's best mental health providers!
Kosta Kostoryz
Hello, my name is Kosta (pronounced like “pasta” with a K)! **I offer an embodiment-centered approach to mental health, therapy, and healing.**
I am a Registered Dance Movement Therapist (R-DMT) with the ADTA as well a supervised Marriage and Family therapist (S-MFT) under Kieri Olmstead. I provide individual sessions for people ages 15+ and family sessions for caregivers and their children 3-18!
When it comes to embodiment work, breath, rhythm, and play acts as the brushes, and your preferred movement, music, and expression provides the color. Excited to work with you!
Mallory Mcneal
Prior to beginning her career as a Marriage & Family Therapist, Mallory built years of experience as a Registered Nurse working in critical care and trauma settings. Being a support and guide to people during some of their most impactful and intimate experiences of life in the healthcare setting led her to realizing her passion for connection and relationships throughout the many relationships we experience in our lifetimes. After walking her own path with loss, grief, and deep sadness, Mallory recognized that her draw to relational experiences combined with a fought-for-and-earned grit and tenacity had brought her to a place of being prepared to walk alongside you with heartfelt empathy as you navigate through some of your toughest challenges.
Through her own journey with mental health and my own experiences with therapy, Mallory discovered purposeful healing and experienced firsthand the transformative power of reconnecting with oneself through exploration of core wounds, innate strengths, and identifying our own personal ways of making sense and meaning of the world around us. She believes that we are all deserving of our own version of healing and finding the ability to reclaim our identity through finding meaning and purpose in our stories – both the joyful ones and the painful ones. Mallory is honored to embark on your unique journey with you.
Mallory is sex-positive and kink friendly, and a welcoming and affirming presence for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. She embraces areas of sociocultural difference with humble curiosity and an anti-oppressive approach to mental health.
Kate O'Keefe
Hi, I’m Kate!
My experience as an Early Childhood Educator in Kansas City revealed my true passion: fostering social and emotional learning over traditional academics. This realization guided me towards pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, where I earned my Master of Science degree from Friends University.
I am dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized therapy for individuals, couples, and families of all ages. I believe deeply in the intrinsic value of every individual and incorporate attachment-based practices to support healing and growth.
My practice is grounded in creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I am committed to a holistic, client-centered approach, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of every individual, fostering authentic connections, and promoting overall well-being.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Chanelle Johnson
Chanelle is a dedicated therapist with a rich background in holistic well-being, having earned her degree from Friends University's Marriage and Family Therapy program. She is Prepare and Enrich certified (specializing in pre-marital counseling), and brings additional expertise as a certified nutrition coach and group fitness instructor. Chanelle's unique approach integrates the physical and emotional aspects of well-being, helping clients understand and nurture the mind - body connection between their internal states and physical experiences.
Understanding that life’s pressures can often feel overwhelming, underwhelming, painful, or like nothing makes sense, Chanelle focuses on supporting her clients in navigating these challenges with autonomy and self-compassion. She believes in meeting clients where they are and emphasizes that their experiences are an integral part of the human journey. By incorporating her own humanity into her practice, Chanelle creates a welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood.
Outside of therapy, Chanelle enjoys traveling, cooking, spending quality time with her husband and two dogs, and indulging in audiobooks and true crime podcasts. If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself, your life, or your relationships, Chanelle is here to help you reconnect and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
Sarah Wittman
**Hi!** I’m Sarah.
I provide inclusive and affirming therapy for teens, adults, and folks in relationships, with a special focus on the LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, kink/BDSM, and creative communities. With lived experiences in these communities, I understand how powerful it is to connect with someone who truly gets it, and I believe that shared understanding fosters trust and encourages transformative growth.
My practice is dedicated to individuals who are motivated for change and seek a holistic approach to mental, physical, and relational well-being. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and a trauma-informed lens, creating a safe and collaborative space where you can explore growth in a way that’s culturally competent and client-led. You’ll be empowered to guide your healing and decision-making process as we work together.
Outside of therapy, you’ll find me making music, exploring the city, laughing at puns, and hanging out with my two cats.
Kieri's Approach
When you decide to do therapy with Kieri you are choosing to get therapy done differently. Kieri's approach to mental health treatment is raw, real and effective. She meets each client where they are at in their journey with a personable approach that lets you know that she's human too. She expects you to show up to do the hard work. Neither therapist or client is there for the fun of it. Kieri understands that it is important to get to the heart of what is causing the ongoing issues and really heal from within. With that being said, she is also funny, heartwarming and very approachable - you won't feel uncomfortable telling her everything that's bothering you.
Simple Empathy LLC