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Hi, I'm Kris (they/she)

Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor #2023042197

Supervisor: Taquera Walker, LPC 

Services in-person & for telehealth in MO

I am dedicated to facilitating healing from the intricate layers of immigration experiences, intergenerational and complex trauma, supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and helping neurodivergent clients, particularly those with autism and ADHD, while actively decolonizing therapy. I believe that by healing ourselves, we contribute to the liberation of our community​

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Ready to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery? Book a session with me today and let's work together towards your personal liberation and collective empowerment.

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Image by Surface

Supported Ages

  • Pre-teens (10-12)

  • Teens (13-17)

  • Adults (18+)

Specialty Areas

  • Adoption/Foster Care

  • Autism

  • BIPOC

  • Intergenerational Trauma

  • Grief

  • Immigrant and Refugee populations

  • LGBTQIA+

  • Family and Peer Conflict

Other Areas of Focus

  • Identity Exploration

  • Mindfulness

  • Racial Issues

  • Spirituality (Deconstructing/Reconstructing Religion)

  • Stress Management

Rates

$165+

*Also accepts Medicaid (Home State Health/Show Me Healthy Kids)

Are we a good match?

Sabaidee, I'm Kris Banda (they/she), and I'm here to create a safe and nurturing space where you can explore, heal, and grow. As a counselor, I draw from my own experiences as a child of immigrants and refugees, understanding the layers of complexity and vulnerability that come with sharing your story. Beyond therapy, I find solace in kayaking and dreaming of future adventures with my partner. I'm deeply committed to advocacy, volunteering at nonprofits to make a positive impact in the lives of marginalized communities, just like yours.

 

Healing Immigration, Intergenerational, and Complex Trauma

When you enter therapy, you’re taking the first step toward healing from the deep-rooted effects of intergenerational and complex trauma. Therapy offers you a space to process these complexities and begin to break free from the cycles of trauma that affect your daily life.​ You will gain clarity on how past family dynamics and generational trauma are influencing your present. By understanding these patterns, you’ll be empowered to make decisions that align with who you are, not just the expectations placed on you. Whether you’re grappling with identity struggles, adoption, fostering, or being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, you will find a space where your experiences are respected and understood.

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Through this process, you will learn how to heal from trauma, while also building resilience. You’ll feel a sense of liberation as you reclaim your voice and your narrative, allowing you to live in a way that honors your true self. Therapy will help you to not only address the pain but also celebrate the strengths and wisdom you’ve gained from your experiences.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Teens and Families

Adolescence is a critical time in life, filled with challenges and change. If you or your teen is struggling with difficult emotions or behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers a path forward. You will learn effective strategies to manage emotions, navigate social relationships, and improve overall well-being.

As a teen, you may often feel overwhelmed by the pressures around you. Therapy will help you gain control over your emotions, giving you tools to respond to challenges with confidence and calm. You will learn how to better communicate your feelings, avoid impulsive actions, and build stronger relationships. Therapy provides a space where you can explore your identity and make sense of the changes you’re going through, all in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

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For families, this journey is shared. Therapy helps both teens and caregivers develop skills for better communication and understanding. You will work together to create a healthier family dynamic where everyone’s needs are acknowledged and respected. Through DBT, families learn to approach conflict with compassion, leading to more connected relationships and fewer misunderstandings. You’ll leave with tools that benefit not just your teen but your entire family.

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Embracing Neurodivergence: Autism and ADHD

If you or your child is navigating life with neurodivergence, therapy can provide support and guidance tailored to your unique strengths and challenges. Living with neurodivergence can sometimes feel overwhelming, but here, you’ll learn tools to manage the day-to-day struggles while celebrating the aspects that make you or your loved one unique.​ Therapy is about understanding how your brain works and using that knowledge to thrive. Instead of trying to fit into a world that may not always be designed for neurodivergent individuals, you’ll learn how to embrace your authentic self and find solutions that work for you.​ Together, we’ll create a plan that acknowledges the challenges while celebrating the strengths of neurodiversity.

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Let's Begin the Journey

Together, we'll embark on a journey of decolonizing therapy, recognizing that by dismantling oppressive systems within ourselves, we contribute to the liberation of our entire community. This means creating a space where your experiences, identities, and emotions are not just respected, but celebrated. It means fostering an environment where you feel empowered to explore the depths of your inner world without fear of judgment or discrimination.

 

Reach out today to take the first step toward healing, growth, and liberation.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Education

Master of Science (M.S.), Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Central Washington University, Washington

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Master of Science (M.S.), Primitive Behavior and Ecology

Central Washington University, Washington

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Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Anthropology, Psychology

Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

Clinical Experience

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Pro-Bono Gender Affirming Letter Writing (MO)

Training for Adoption Competency

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Professional Affiliations

American Counseling Association

Asian Mental Health Collective

American Psychological Association

LGBT Guild

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