Thrive Counseling

Serves Kansas City, MO

35244

Hired 174 times

2 employees

12 years in business

$175

4.8

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, and Venmo.

Next Service

Hours

Sun Closed

Mon 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tues 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thurs 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat Closed

Credentials

Background Check

Cheryl Pendell
Completed on 3/27/2025

Introduction

I am licensed to practice in the State of Missouri. If you are seeking therapy via phone or video sessions, please note that you must reside within Missouri. I enjoy offering in person sessions as well. If you’re exploring therapy, chances are you’re looking for a safe, supportive space where you can gain clarity and insight into your current challenges. My goal is to help you shift your perspective, discover new ways of coping, and provide you with tools to move forward in a healthy, empowered way. I’m especially passionate about making high-quality counseling services accessible to individuals and families in rural Missouri—including my hometown of Warsaw. Whether you’re located in Kansas City or a smaller town across the state, I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant sessions via phone or video to meet you where you are. Being a therapist is more than a job—it’s a privilege. I see humanity at both its most vulnerable and its most resilient. Everyone who comes to therapy has a unique story to share, and I believe that story deserves to be heard with compassion and care. I find great joy in helping people process their experiences, own their narratives, and move toward more satisfying, fulfilling lives. Since 2013, I’ve been honored to walk alongside my clients on their healing journeys. Many have told me they feel truly heard, understood, and supported in our sessions. There’s no greater reward than seeing a client finish therapy with renewed strength—and knowing they can return at any point if life brings new challenges. ⸻

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Therapy is an investment in your emotional health and well being. I am considered an out of network provider. This means you pay for services and submit the billable receipt or super bill to your insurance company. What ever your benefits are with your insurance is what applies. I do offer a sliding scale fee based on annual household income. This fee ranges from $85-$175 per session while most people fall into the $85-$125 per session rate after the initial intake session. My intake session is 60 minutes and includes a onetime new patient fee.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Typically a client books their intake session first by texting or calling for an appointment. The next step would be for me to send you the intake documents at that time. This gives you the comfort of filling out documents at home at your leisure. At this point we would have a session scheduled to complete your intake. At that time I will learn specifics about your circumstances and I let you know a plan moving forward and how I believe I can help. If I believe there is someone better suited to help you I will let you know that too.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have a Master’s in Counseling and a specialty in Marriage, Couple and Family therapy. I am also a Certified Play Therapist. I continue to improve my skills through advanced trainings several times a year and reading multiple clinical books monthly. I also have had the honor of being asked by my previous professors to teach graduate students at MidAmerica Nazarene University in their final coursework before graduating and becoming therapist themselves.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I did not start out to be a therapist! After facing a lot of my own life challenges ( death of my father, death of my spouse 7 months after marriage, past abuse etc). I decided to use what I had learned from my own suffering and return to school to be able to use my personal challenges and suffering to help others. While I have the degrees and they are very important to me I continue to find life experiences and continuous learning invaluable to me.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I am an accepting, culturally competent Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with a variety of individual issues. Several of my patients have a history of loss, trauma, grief or abuse; including a lot of the children I work with. Many of my patients are healing from depression, anxiety, PTSD or personality disorders. I also work with patients struggling from gender dysphoria and those in the LGBTQ family. In addition, I specialize in working with highly distressed couples who are trying to rebound from infidelity or deep hurts within the couple relationship. Many times the couple lacks the ability to communicate effectively and therefore can no longer resolve conflicts. I have considerable experience helping rebuild trust between a couple that has previously been shattered and they are left at a loss on how to regain that trust. After obtaining my original training I returned to school for a post master's certification in Play Therapy with children. I utilize the sand tray as I see therapeutically beneficial. Fortunately, as a Marriage, Couple and Family therapist I work with a variety of ages and mental health conditions. I enjoy and value my work immensely. I have deep gratitude and appreciation from how I learn from my patients everyday.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Each individual, couple or family I work with is important to me. I am moved when I see a person or couple gain hope and bravely face the journey towards healing. I want each of my patients to Be Well and Thrive! 🙂🌿. Counseling is a process and can range from a few sessions to months; depending on the type of therapy needed and the specific concern being processed through.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Definitely read customer/ patient reviews. Ask about their specific training and what makes them feel qualified to help you specifically. I am a lifelong learner and read numerous books a month in order to stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in the field of psychology. I also recently attended a World Conference in order to hear the latest work from the top people in the field.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

I feel it is in your best interest to decide what you’re looking for in a therapist and then go on the search to find that particular person. Ask about a therapist’s experience in a given area or how they might address your circumstances. It might be beneficial to know their therapeutic approach and methods used. The most significant predictor of therapeutic success is the rapport or therapeutic alliance built between you and your therapist. Make sure you are comfortable with them and feel accepted, heard and understood.