Aligned Counseling, LLC

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. I offer a safe, supportive space where you can explore your inner world, navigate challenges, and grow into a more authentic version of yourself. Whether you're dealing with late-diagnosed autism, ADHD, anxiety, complex trauma, relationship struggles, or feeling stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand yet, I’m here to walk beside you with compassion and clarity. You deserve to feel understood, valued, and empowered—and therapy can be a meaningful part of that process. THERAPY SERVICES Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy I specialize in working with adults who are neurodivergent—especially those with ADHD, autism, or high sensitivity, including people who mask, were diagnosed later in life, or are exploring whether they may be neurodivergent. I am self-diagnosis affirming. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling anxious, burned out, or exhausted from trying to meet expectations that don’t fit how their minds work. I support neurodivergent adults in building practical strategies that work with their brains—not against them. Together, we address executive functioning challenges, emotional regulation, masking, relationship patterns, and burnout, while identifying and building on your strengths. Clients often leave therapy feeling less overwhelmed, more self-trusting, and more confident in setting boundaries and advocating for their needs without guilt. Trauma and Complex Trauma I offer a safe, affirming space to process trauma, including complex and developmental trauma as well as sexual trauma. Many clients come to therapy feeling anxious, on edge, disconnected, or stuck in patterns shaped by past experiences. You may struggle with trust, boundaries, or feeling safe in relationships, even when you want closeness. My approach is trauma-informed, somatic, and attachment-based, helping you understand your nervous system, process painful experiences at your own pace, and begin to feel more grounded and secure. Therapy may include mindfulness and emotionally focused work to reduce overwhelm and rebuild a sense of safety and self-trust. For clients who want a structured, highly evidence-supported approach, I also offer Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). CPT helps process traumatic experiences, reduce trauma symptoms, and gently shift beliefs that can keep you feeling stuck or blaming yourself. People-Pleasing, Boundaries, & Self-Trust If you struggle with people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, or chronic self-doubt, you’re not alone. Many clients I work with feel responsible for everyone else’s emotions, fear disappointing others, or second-guess their needs in relationships. Together, we explore where these patterns began and how they show up today. Therapy focuses on reducing guilt and over-responsibility, strengthening your sense of autonomy, and helping you feel more secure and confident in expressing your needs. Over time, you’ll build deeper self-trust so your relationships feel more balanced, authentic, and emotionally safe. Anxiety & Stress If you’re struggling with anxiety, chronic stress, overwhelm, or overthinking, therapy can help you understand what’s driving these patterns and build practical tools for relief. Many clients come in feeling constantly on edge, mentally exhausted, or stuck in cycles of worry and self-criticism. I support clients in learning to calm the nervous system, quiet the inner critic, and respond to stress in ways that feel more grounded and manageable. Therapy focuses on emotional regulation, self-compassion, and rebuilding trust in your own thoughts, feelings, and needs. Over time, many clients notice they feel calmer, more resilient, and better able to navigate stress without becoming overwhelmed. Couples Counseling & Relationship Therapy I offer couples therapy for neurodivergent partnerships, as well as relationships where one or both partners may have ADHD, autism, or different communication and processing styles. I also work with couples who do not identify as neurodivergent but want support improving communication, rebuilding trust, or strengthening their connection. Many couples come to therapy feeling stuck in cycles of misunderstanding, recurring conflict, or emotional distance. Differences in communication styles, nervous systems, or attachment patterns can make it hard to feel heard, understood, or supported, even when both partners care deeply about the relationship. Couples therapy provides a supportive space to slow down conversations, clarify needs, and understand the deeper emotions that often drive conflict. Together, we work to improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, and build more secure, sustainable ways of relating that feel supportive for both partners. Inclusive & Affirming Therapy I provide inclusive, affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and my practice is polyamorous- and kink-affirming. Therapy is offered in a nonjudgmental, identity-affirming space where all identities, expressions, relationship structures, and bodies are respected. My work is grounded in a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective and actively avoids pathologizing identity, body size, or ways of relating. My goal is to help clients feel safe, seen, and affirmed while supporting meaningful, values-aligned growth and change. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THERAPY A Neurodivergent and Trauma-Informed Approach Therapy is collaborative and client-centered—not prescriptive. I honor your expertise in your own life and tailor sessions to your needs, values, and pace. Whether you’re navigating autistic burnout, ADHD challenges, trauma recovery, or identity exploration, therapy is designed around your lived experience. Together, we focus on fostering self-understanding, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Techniques & Modalities I Use I integrate a variety of evidence-based approaches to support healing, growth, and self-understanding: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you clarify your values, accept difficult emotions, and take meaningful action even in the face of stress or anxiety. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Supports building secure attachment and improving connection in relationships, including couples and close partnerships. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): For clients seeking a structured, evidence-supported approach to trauma, CPT helps process traumatic experiences, reduce trauma-related symptoms, and gently shift unhelpful beliefs that may keep you feeling stuck. Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Practices: Explore how trauma and stress show up in the body. Techniques may include grounding, breathwork, movement, visualization, or creative exercises to promote regulation and resilience. By combining these approaches, therapy addresses both mind and body, helping you navigate stress, trauma, anxiety, identity challenges, and relational patterns with awareness, self-compassion, and clarity. A Safe, Authentic Space In therapy, you don’t have to mask, perform, or hold it all together. This is a space for vulnerability, exploration, and authenticity. I offer a warm, validating presence, honest feedback, and a touch of humor when it fits—so you can feel safe, seen, and supported while doing the real work of growth. Therapy always moves at your pace, with consent and collaboration guiding every step. You set the rhythm, and I’m here to walk beside you. ABOUT ME I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Counseling. I’m passionate about growth and believe that meaningful change is possible for everyone. I see therapy as a collaborative relationship where safety and authenticity allow real transformation to unfold. Much of healing happens within connection, and I don’t take lightly the trust it takes to share your story. It’s an honor to sit with people as they grow, reconnect with themselves, and move toward lives that feel more aligned and fulfilling. Certifications: Certified Autism Specialist Cognitive Processing Therapy LET’S CONNECT You deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported—and I would be honored to be part of your healing process. If you’re curious about working together, I invite you to reach out to schedule a consultation. 📍 Offering in-person therapy in Prairie Village, Kansas 🌐 Online therapy for adults in Kansas 📧 sara@alignedcounseling-llc.com 📞 (816) 656-7224 Located at 8016 State Line Road Suite 106 Prairie Village, KS 66208 Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation. Supervised by Kasen Anderson MO: LPC 2023017495 KS: LCPC 03154