Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephenie Klotzbach.
Hi Stephenie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My relationship with feelings started at a young age, as both of my parents are psychologists. I knew I always wanted to be in the helping field, but just was not sure how. I started out as a case manager for a head start program in central Kansas, and moved to Kansas City shortly after. It was here, that I continued my case management pathway and worked as a Housing Case Manager for Rose Brooks for a few years. During that time, I realized that I wanted to do more than just connect and provide resources short term. I wanted to figure out the why, I had a passion for digging deeper and sitting with my clients. My best friend was enrolled in a therapy program, and encouraged me to interview to get in, so I did. I enrolled at Friends University in the fall of 2017, and completed my degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in the fall of 2019. Private practice did not come easy. When I took the leap of faith and started a private practice with some friends from school, it was in 2020, directly in the midst of Covid. I remember signing the five year lease, thinking I had made a huge mistake, and what if I was unable to fill a caseload?!
Fast forward to 2025, and I have not only filled a caseload, but keep a waitlist most months as well. As somebody who grew up with a chronic illness and married somebody with Type 1 Diabetes, I knew I wanted to work more with the people navigating their own chronic illnesses and explore the highs and lows of living with a chronic illness. I took more training to become an American Diabetes Association mental health provider, and work with a large population of Type 1 Diabetics in the metro and beyond. I also built on my foundation of working with children, by becoming a Registered Play Therapist after falling in love with Conscious Discipline training in my early years at the Head Start. In 2022, I became a mom and struggled intensely with postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts. It was during this time, that I wanted to become what I wish I had in those months postpartum, so my most recent endeavor has been to start my my certification to become Perinatal Mental Health certified, to connect with moms who are also struggling after having babies.
I remember hearing in school that it takes roughly five years to feel like you are in your groove as a therapist, and I can honestly say that the last 2-3 years of my work have felt the most “at home” to me. My clients even recently encouraged me to update my website, as my pictures were not giving the laid back, casual and fun therapist they see me as. I truly enjoy connecting with my clients as a messy human, and not just a therapist. I feel so honored to get to share in all the highs and lows with my clients on any given day, and look forward to all the connections I will continue to make in my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. When I first started out, I joined a group practice to get my foot in the door. After a few months in, I knew it was not going to be a good fit for me- but I had a lot of anxiety about going out on my own. I was working full time at a boutique in the metro to supplement my income for not having a full caseload, and planning a wedding. My goal was to branch out in 2020 after I took my licensing exam in January. Once my exam was completed, Covid hit, and everything was uncertain. I started doing online therapy, and had even more anxiety about going out on my own. I am thankful for the girls in our practice that were also wanting to create change and take that leap into private practice. Even through the anxiety, we were able to create our dream practice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in clients with chronic illness, and have become an ADA approved mental health provider through the American Diabetes Association. I am also a registered play therapist. Currently in the process of getting my PMH certification to do more work in the postpartum and perinatal sector of things. As for connection, I would say that my clients enjoy my down to earth attitude and casual approach to things. I connect with them as one messy human to another. I love connecting on things outside of the therapy room as well, whether it be a shared love for boxer dogs, a musician we both enjoy or local food or drink. I love to explain the modalities of therapy I use with them, so they know exactly what I am doing- as well as create my own metaphors and analogies to use in their day to day as well.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I honestly feel like I am disconnected from technology in general. As much as I would love to dive more into podcasts and work related blogs- I am also really trying to focus on being present as a mom outside of my therapy room. My current favorite reads are anything romance for fun, anything by Dan Siegal for work, and anything construction related if I am with my toddler.
Pricing:
- 140.00 Per session
- Ability to pay Sliding Scale offered
- Accepts Some insurances
- Licensed in KS and MO
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therapywithstephenie.com
