Today we’d like to introduce you to Devonie Atchison.
Hi Devonie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Devonie Atchison and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor that practices in Kansas and Missouri. I specialize in relationship therapy, but also see some individuals. I am trained and certified in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy and absolutely LOVE supporting couples (both monogamous and ethically non-monogamous).
When I am not working, I am likely finding a way to connect with the important people in my life. I spend as much time as I can with my family and friends and enjoy being outside when the weather is nice. I take Pilates classes several times a week and crochet pretty much whenever I can. I’m usually up for any DIY project or craft, and I love reading mystery and psychological thriller books when I get a chance. I absolutely LOVE to travel and experience new places and people.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting to where I am today wasn’t the smoothest road. I struggled some as a kid and was briefly in foster care. I also have experienced various kinds of abuse both in childhood and as an adult.
However, my biggest struggle in life has been with alcohol misuse which began when I was a teenager. With a ton of support, I got sober in 2020 and then found out I was pregnant quickly afterwards. I’ve now been sober for over five years and have two beautiful children. I truly believe that (for me) love and connection are what allowed me to get sober, so doing attachment work and supporting relationships are things I am extremely passionate about.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My heart has always been with the queer community and a large portion of the people I see identify as part of that community. I have worked with many folx who are somewhere under the trans umbrella and have worked with multiple providers and hospitals to support people who are transitioning. I have a lot of experience working with mixed orientation couples and couples where one or both partners identify as trans or gender-nonconforming.
I’m trained and certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy which is a therapy modality that aims to reprocess trauma by using bilateral stimulation (visual, auditory, or tactile). It is similar to EMDR in this way, but the protocol differs.
I have also gotten licensed as a Clinical Addiction Counselor so that I can better support people who struggle with substance use or compulsive behaviors.
I have really worked hard to build a practice that is rooted in love and acceptance. I am dedicated to creating a space where people feel seen and connected. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of or a witness to so many people’s journeys. It’s truly a privilege and so incredibly inspiring.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
This Naked Mind – Annie Grace
Hold Me Tight – Sue Johnson
Love Sense – Sue Johnson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.openheartskc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openheartskc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openheartskc
