Quote that inspires Brook

“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.” Henry David Thoreau

So many times we seek to always be happy which is unrealistic. Experiencing and sitting with a wide range of emotions brings long-lasting satisfaction.

Meet Brook!    Brook is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a child therapist with Step By Step Counseling.  She has been with us since 2014 and enjoys working with ages 2-14 years.   With over 25 years of experience working with children, Brook’s first career was as an Early Childhood and Elementary Educator.  She has extensively studied the topics of attachment, play therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness, parenting and polyvagal theory.  Brook enjoys working with children, adolescents and their families.   

A few areas of interest are:  

  • Attachment and Relationships
  • Fostercare & Adoption
  • Autism Spectrum (ASD)
  • Trauma
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

 

She enjoys working with families that parents value educaiton, research and ask questions.  She appreicates the committment they show in therapy. She has been most successful with clients who want to learn, and try new things.   She enjoys the “team effort” that comes with working with her families. 

Educational Background

Formal education

  • Bachelors of Science in Human Resources and Family Sciences at University of Nebraska-Lincoln 
  • Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha 
  • Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling at Lindenwood University 
  • Post-Graduate Studies – Psychological Examinerat Lindenwood University 
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Certifications & Credentials

  • Registered Play Therapy – Supervisor 
  • Continuing education: Filial Therapy, Neuroscience, IPNB (Interpersonal Neurobiology), Sandtray Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention 101 (TBRI), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy  Level 1 & 2, Theraplay Level 1 and MIM

Articles or blogposts written by therapist

Fees & Payment Information 

Fees:

  • Intake: 150/session
  • 53-60 minutes: 140/session
  • 40-45 minutes: 120/session 
  • 20-25 minute session: 75/session
  • Sliding scale $90-150/session, depending on household income

Insurance:

  • Medicaid plans such as MoHealthNet, Homestate Health, Show me Healthy Kids, Healthy Blue, UHC-Community plan 
  • Commercial insurance: Optum, UHC, UMR, All Savers, Aetna, Meritain, Coventry, First Health, Healthlink
    • Please note:  Many plans no longer cover virtual sessions. Please confirm with your specific insurance company and your specific plan that Brook’s virtual sessions are covered.

Availability and Location

Location:

Get to know Brook!

Outside of the office Brook enjoys spending time with her two furbabies Sprockett and Scout.  If you ask, she’ll provide super cute pictures of them getting into mischief around the house!  During time off, Brook enjoys traveling, especially up north to visit friends and her family farm. She will tell us that she is her best self in a clean organized space.    For recreation, Brook enjoys reading historical mysteries, remodeling and decorating her house, and searching for new crafts and recipes to try in the kitchen.  Fun fact, she’s a big Sherlock Holmes fan!   And while this is cliché, she loves to learn and does a lot of reading and researching in the counseling & mental health field, she’s a wealth of knowledge!

 

Work with Brook!

Brook can be described as outspoken and authentic. Clients can expect unconditional positive regard, support, and a healthy line of communication.   Brook’s professional motivation came from her time as an educator, wanting to support her students more.   She sees her role as a therapist to help clients learn about themselves. Brook believes that there is power in relationships, and encourages families to be involved in their child’s therapy. The client’s parents have reported that she is knowledgeable and honest with her feedback. They have been appreciative of her backup plans and helpful resources.  If you are interested in working with her, please schedule through our online form. 

 

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