Cara Gruhala (she/her)

Ed.S, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
Accepting Clients

Being a counselor is my professional calling. I know both professionally and personally how powerful counseling can be.

Licensed Professional Counselor in Lee's Summit, MO

Free Initial Consultation
Request consultation

Free 15-minute call, no obligation.

Services
  • Individual
  • Child
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

Feeling stuck? Not feeling like yourself? Do the stressors of daily life seem bigger to you than you believe they feel to others? I work with clients from early childhood through all phases of adulthood. I specialize in trauma, perinatal concerns (infertility, pregnancy, postpartum mood struggles, traumatic birth, and loss), as well as neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, and more), gender/sexual expansiveness, and anxiety and depression.

My Background and Approach

I believe that every client is the expert in their own life, and use a non-judgmental, client-centered approach. I also commonly utilize elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and for children, Play Therapy. In trauma treatment Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is typically utilized.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I love working with a variety of clients of a variety of ages, and I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives, and I serve as a terrain expert on their journey towards reaching their goals. Continuing this hiking metaphor, I use client goals along with my education and experience to determine outcomes, and then work with clients to give support and information along the path to get them there. I do love most outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, kayaking, gardening and more. I am a member of the neurodivergent community and especially love working with others who are, or are wondering if they might be. I am an active member of multiple local groups focused on equity, anti-racism, and belonging. I also believe in helping to prepare our up and coming mental health professionals, and am a current adjunct professor for local counselor education program, as well as a Registered Missouri Counselor Supervisor for those working toward independent licensure.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Internal Family Systems Person-Centered (Rogerian) Play Therapy
Other Techniques
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Eclectic Therapy
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
ADHD Therapists Autism Spectrum Disorder Pregnancy and Postpartum

Qualifications

License
Ed.S, LPC, NCC, PMH-C, State of Missouri · #2019047155
Supervision
Provides supervision to apprentice therapists
Years in practice
12 years
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Atheism
  • Christianity
  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
  • Islam
  • Judaism
  • Interfaith

Hours & Availability

New clients welcome
Currently accepting new clients
In-person & Telehealth
Both available

Location

Primary Location

300 Unity Circle North
Suite 400
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
8165085934

Access & Transport

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance (ADA compliant)
  • Gender-neutral bathrooms
Open in Google Maps ↗ · GPS: 38.9474106°, -94.4075043°

At A Glance

  • Experience: 12 years of practice
  • Rate: $115 - 125/session

Info

Email Cara
300 Unity Circle North
Suite 400
Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Reach out to Cara