Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey Devore.
Hi Aubrey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I fell in love with the role of a counselor back in 2011 when my son was in kindergarten. He struggled with severe separation anxiety, and during that time, his school counselor became a lifeline for me. She was such an inspiration—offering strength and support when I needed it most.
Fast-forward a few years: with both of my kids in elementary school (kindergarten and second grade), I decided to pursue my master’s in school counseling at MidAmerica Nazarene University. I graduated in 2015 and started working in the Olathe School District as a long-term sub. In 2017, I went back to MNU to earn my play therapy certificate and also launched my private practice, Aubrey Devore Counseling.
For the last eight years, I’ve primarily worked with kids and teens, though I’m now beginning to see more adults too. Still, my heart holds a special place for the Littles. At the moment, most of my caseload is teenagers.
I run my practice alongside five other therapists under the Sunstone Counseling Group umbrella. We each own our own businesses, but I manage the office space. Our practice is thriving—we see a steady flow of clients, especially children and teens.
I’ve also recently launched a group therapy program called Guided Drawing for Trauma, a powerful approach I learned a few years ago that helps clients process PTSD and other trauma symptoms in a unique, creative way.
Overall, my passion is in art and play. I truly believe play is essential—at every age. One can never be too young (or too old) to play!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I started my private practice in 2017, it happened to be the same time I had to pull one of my kids out of school to homeschool due to anxiety. Balancing both was really challenging. Getting a business off the ground takes time, and there are numerous regulations and rules to navigate. As a licensed clinical professional counselor, I’m held to high standards by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board—legal and ethical matters are always top of mind, which made the process of opening my own practice even more complicated.
In the early years, I was a Medicaid provider and later began accepting commercial insurance as well. I’m no longer a Medicaid provider, but one thing I really noticed during that time was how many families were falling through the cracks—families who desperately needed services but couldn’t afford to pay out-of-pocket. Once I became a commercial insurance provider, my schedule has been very full, to the point where I sometimes have to stop taking new clients for a while just to keep things manageable.
The pandemic was another turning point—both financially and emotionally. Doing teletherapy with elementary-aged kids was especially tough. They didn’t respond very well to virtual sessions, and traditional play therapy just didn’t translate over a screen. On top of that, I noticed a huge shift in mental health overall—kids, teens, and adults alike seemed to be struggling more deeply than ever before.
About two and a half years ago, I also had to move offices unexpectedly. At the time it felt incredibly stressful, but looking back, it was such a blessing in disguise. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and I opened my own beautiful practice and surround myself with colleagues who are supportive, collaborative, and truly care for one another.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I guess you could say I specialize in working with kids and teens. While I’ve been seeing more adults lately, most of my work has been in the teen world. I’m trained in EMDR, and I’ve found Guided Drawing for Trauma to be an amazing tool in sessions. Having a variety of approaches has really shaped my success—whether it’s sand tray therapy, guided art, EMDR, or play therapy, there’s always a way to connect with each client.
What also sets me apart is that I’m extremely sensitive and empathic. Those qualities make me good at what I do, but they also leave me more vulnerable to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Because of that, I’m very intentional about self-care, both for myself and for my clients. I often remind them—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I can’t say I’ve had a lot of luck along the way. It’s not that I’ve had bad luck, but nothing has come easy—I’ve had to work really hard for everything. Going back to school in my 30s with two small kids was no joke. Starting a private practice while homeschooling one of them definitely didn’t feel like luck either.
If I think about it, the “luckiest” part of my journey has been the people around me. I’m surrounded by amazing colleagues at Sunstone who I can also call friends—I honestly couldn’t ask for a better group of ladies to work with. And of course, I’d have to say my husband has been my biggest stroke of luck. He’s always been incredibly supportive, giving me the push I need, picking me up when I fall, and nurturing me through my lowest times.
Pricing:
- $120 for a 50 minute session
- $35 for 75 minute Group Therapy for Guided Drawing
- Blue Cross Blue Shield provider
- United Health Care provider
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aubrey-devore-counseling.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092388553565
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrey-devore-b57176149/
- Other: https://www.meetup.com/olathe-therapy-meetup-group/?eventOrigin=your_groups
