Our Team
Collaborative Therapists Here to serve you
At A Balanced Life LLC, we've brought together a kind and dedicated team of professionals who truly care about your journey. We blend our unique backgrounds and expertise to offer you the flexible support you deserve on your path to healing and wholeness.
Mieke Westra
Engagement Specialist
Wellcome to A Balanced Life, LLC. As your Engagement Specialist, my hope is to be able to assist you in finding the best possible therapeutic “fit”. I am a believer in the importance of a good client-provider matchup and think that poor fits have the potential to turn people off of therapy that, otherwise, could have been beneficial. With that in mind, I will do my utmost to pair you with a complimentary provider who can help you to grow and change the things you want to change.
I enjoy meeting people from all life experiences and backgrounds. I am currently studying psychology at the undergraduate level with plans of immediately pursuing my Masters in Counseling and getting licensed in Missouri and Kansas as an LPC.
Outside of work and school I love spending time with my partner and kiddo, listening to fantasy audiobooks, and working on house projects that I am wildly unqualified to do at the beginning, but usually at least competent at by the end.
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Etta Garcia, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
In our work together, we'll focus on your strengths as you move toward healing and a greater sense of wholeness. I believe all people deserve connection, acceptance, and supportive spaces where they feel seen and understood.
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, incorporating CBT, DBT, parts work, and play therapy. I support clients in processing grief, anxiety, anger, and depression, with an emphasis on building safety and deeper self-understanding.
I enjoy working with a diverse population, especially children, adolescents, and young adults navigating identity development and life transitions, including collegiate transitions. I also support clients with women's issues, parenting, and the transition into new parenthood. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, member of the LGBTQ+ community, and third-generation Mexican American, I strive to create an affirming space where clients can explore who they are and develop a strong sense of self.
Outside the office, I enjoy reading romance novels, tending to my garden, and spending time with my daughter, husband, and our two Shih Tzus.
Lydia Gentry, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. I believe each person has the capacity for growth and healing, and my role is to support you in uncovering that strength while creating a space where you feel understood and supported.
I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, including children, adolescents, adults, families, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My office hours include both in-person and telehealth options, offering flexibility to meet your needs. With training in trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, ERP, sand tray therapy, and play therapy, I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, complex trauma, grief, and life transitions. My approach is grounded in an attachment-based lens, emphasizing the importance of secure, trusting relationships in the healing process.
When I'm not in the office, much of my time is spent playing pickleball, practicing yoga, reading, and spending time connecting with others.
Nick Van Walleghem, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I believe healing happens in the context of relationships. In our work together, we'll focus on building connection, increasing self-awareness, and creating space for emotional expression. Through this process, many people find not only relief from internal struggles, but also a renewed ability to connect more deeply with others.
My approach to therapy is grounded in EMDR, CBT, and DBT. I support clients in working through complex trauma, grief and loss, internal conflict, life transitions, and family development. I also have experience supporting young parents, men's issues, and young adults exploring identity development.
I primarily work with adults (18+) and young adults, and have experience in residential and inpatient settings with individuals, couples, and families, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This background allows me to meet clients where they are and support them through a wide range of experiences.
Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, making music, and spending time with my dog, Zelda.
Jane McKinney, LCSW, LSCSW,
Certified EMDR Therapist
Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
Healing begins with learning to trust yourself and connect with your strengths and inner wisdom. I believe each person has an innate capacity to grow and move toward healing, even in the face of life's challenges. In our work together, I focus on the therapeutic relationship to help children, parents, and families build new, positive experiences and strengthen trust and confidence in themselves and one another.
My approach to therapy honors each person's individuality while supporting a greater sense of hope, empowerment, and control. I incorporate EMDR as a primary modality to help process overwhelming life stressors and negative beliefs. I have been working with clients across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood, since 2001.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) in Kansas, and a Certified EMDR therapist. My training includes play therapy, expressive arts therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and sand tray therapy, and my work is informed by attachment, behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic perspectives.
Outside the office, I enjoy gardening, reading about medieval history, and working on house projects.
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Join Our Team
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A Balanced Life LLC is hoping to grow our team! We are currently interviewing for full-time clinicians and practicum students.