“The simple act of caring is heroic.”
Judy Gardner
Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor
MS, BSN, RN, LPC, LCPC, NCC, EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant, Mediator
Judy is a dedicated and compassionate therapist committed to helping individuals navigate the journey of healing from painful life experiences. With a deep understanding of how trauma – whether a single event or chronic, relational wounds – impacts the mind, body, and spirit, Judy provides a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental space for recovery.
Approach to Healing
Judy's approach is rooted in the principles of Trauma-Informed Care, which prioritizes safety, trustworthiness, and client empowerment above all else. She utilizes evidence-based, specialized modalities to gently process trauma memories, restore the body's natural sense of calm and regulation, and empower building positive self-esteem and relationship skills.
A Focus on Strength and Resilience
The work goes beyond addressing the past; it focuses on unlocking the client's innate resilience and rebuilding their relationship with themselves and the world. By working collaboratively, Judy helps clients move from merely surviving to confidently thriving. If you are ready to gently explore your path to healing and reclaim your sense of self, Judy welcomes walking beside you in your journey of growth.
More about Judy
She received a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 1988 from CMSU (now called the University of Central Missouri or UCM).
She received a Master of Science degree in counseling in 2009 from UCM.
She provides general professional consultation for counseling professionals.
Judy holds memberships in the:
Christian Association for Psychological Studies.
American Counseling Association.
Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society.
EMDR International Association.
Judy’s Credentials Include:
EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Certified EMDR therapy
National Certified Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas.
Professional Counselor Telehealth Provider in South Carolina.
Certified in Prepare and Enrich premarital and marital counseling.
Certified in Level 3 of the Gottman Method, a training developed to build stronger relationships
Certified in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and medical hypnotherapy
Completed Missouri required 40 hours of training for Civil and Family/Domestic Mediation through the Center for Dispute Resolution at Missouri State University
Practice focus and specializations
In therapy, Judy uses an approach that includes both best practices and the needs of the individual client. Some of her approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strength-based therapy, EMDR and other supportive methods.
The focus of Judy’s practice includes helping clients navigate issues related to:
Anxiety
Self-esteem
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Chronic pain
Stress management
Women’s issues
Marriage counseling
Business and professional consultation
Business and family mediation
Spiritual integration (incorporating a client's spiritual beliefs into their treatment)
EMDR practice and consultation (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Her other focuses include:
Critical decision making
Non-medical treatment of chronic pain
Family therapy
Hypnosis
Life transitions
Mediation services
Spirituality
Stress management
Fees
The initial 50-minute session is $175.
Afterward, individual therapy is $140 for a 50-minute session.
Couples/family therapy is $175 for a 50-minute session.
Consultation services are $200 per hour.
For mediation services, contact Judy.
Judy does not participate in insurance networks (please read more about billing and insurance here).
Schedule an appointment with Judy Gardner by:
Calling Judy at 816.287.0032
Scheduling through TherapyPortal