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Naomi Norton
My name is Naomi Norton, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Missouri (2018045008) and a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Kansas (2864). I am an Approved Supervisor through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). I have a Ph.D. in Family Therapy from Northcentral University; my research focused on the conceptualization of mental illness by the white fundamentalist evangelical Christian community. I currently working on publishing the White American fundamentalist evangelical cultural Power and Control Wheel inspired by the Duluth Model.
(Article in the "Professional Work" Tab under "About").
I have worked in various capacities in the mental health field for almost a decade. Working with teenagers and families within a psychiatric hospital encouraged me to pursue further education to obtain a family therapy degree. Upon graduating, I worked within child welfare, providing intensive in-home therapy; these professional experiences have allowed me many opportunities with many people who deal with various issues. I have used my knowledge to help others impacted by cultural, contextual, and systemic struggles, for which I am incredibly grateful! I began my therapy practice in Kansas City in 2016, providing in-home therapy for individuals and families who struggle with various disabilities, personality disorders, severe mental illnesses, and religious trauma.
During my education and professional journey, I have obtained certification in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, I am passionate about supporting individuals with religious trauma and/or who have experienced adverse religious experiences (AREs), spiritual/religious/church abuse, and faith deconstruction.
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When I'm not at my office (and not writing!), you can find me at a local bookstore or a coffee shop. I enjoy music, cooking, reading, writing, meditation, and spending time with family and friends.
Eleece Dougherty
Ph.D. Student: Marriage & Family Intern
I am currently enrolled in the PhD program at Northcentral University in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in child and adolescent therapy. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master’s in Addiction Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. I love working with children and have always had a good rapport with them, largely fostered by my years as a teacher and childcare provider. I am a certified alcohol and drug counselor and am also working towards licensure and certification as a trauma therapist.
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I believe therapy begins with building a good relationship with the client, built on trust and empathy. Counseling is a learning process, and to be as effective as it can be requires the development of good rapport. I welcome collaborating with you, hearing about your life journey, understanding your individual, couple, or family issues, and tailoring a treatment plan focusing on your specific needs.
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​My preferred therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and I incorporate elements of Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Gottman Couples Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Person-Centered Therapy, and aspects of Play Therapy.
Stephanie Resto Vega,
MA Graduate Intern - Marriage and Family Therapy
Stephanie Resto Vega is a Marriage and Family Therapy practicum intern currently pursuing her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University. With a background in psychology and minors in both social work and education, particularly special education, she brings a deep understanding of human development and family dynamics to her clinical work.
Before entering the mental health field, Stephanie worked as a teacher, an experience that naturally led her to support not just students, but their families as well. This path strengthened her commitment to helping people navigate life’s challenges with compassion, respect, and empowerment.
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Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), all of which she uses to help clients connect with their strengths, rewrite limiting stories, and build skills for long-term emotional resilience.
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Known for creating a non-judgmental, genuine, and organic environment, Stephanie is passionate about meeting clients exactly where they are, without rushing the process and without pressure. She believes in walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they discover how capable they are of growth, healing, and transformation.
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As a veteran herself, she brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to working with military populations and others experiencing trauma, grief, or identity transitions. Her goal is not just to help individuals feel better temporarily, but to support meaningful, sustainable changes that lead to greater independence and self-awareness.
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When she's not working, you can find her reading, hiking, or spending time outdoors with her dogs.
