We’re looking forward to introducing you to Valerie Guile, LSCSW, Katherine Brethower, LCPC & Aubree Ridley, LCMFT. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Valerie, Katherine & Aubree, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Last December (2024) we were thrilled we had the opportunity to expand to a new and improved suite that prioritizes comfort, confidentiality and captivating 6th floor views of Corporate Woods. This was followed by one of our proudest moments together in June (2025), as we won Best Group Therapy Practice in KC in the Best of KC 2025. The support we felt from our friends and family, clients, colleagues, and the community was incredible.
We currently have 9 therapists in our suite and we love serving our community alongside one another.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At Buffalo Roam Therapy Group, we take our inspiration from the American buffalo. While cows instinctively run from storms, prolonging their struggle, the buffalo charge straight into them, minimizing the time spent in the hardest part. That story has become our guiding metaphor: healing begins when we stop avoiding the hard things and face them with courage. We’re a collective of trauma-informed therapists with diverse specialties, united by a mission to support and empower individuals, couples and families through life’s challenges. We can’t prevent the storms from happening, but we can walk with you through them, helping you heal, build resilience, and discover what’s next.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
(Valerie) I’ve had countless mentors and colleagues who have taught me so much about social work and therapeutic practices, but my parents have been the ones to teach me the most about work. As a child, I grew up watching both of my parents create and run their own businesses—my mother, a family law private practice attorney, and my father, the owner and operator of a heating and cooling company. Seeing my parents set and achieve career goals taught me that professional success requires intentionality, patience, and a strong work ethic.
While I’ve carried those lessons with me throughout my career, the most important thing my parents taught me about work is that no matter what you’re doing, do it with integrity and treat people with respect and dignity. They prioritized making their services affordable and accessible, believing that everyone deserves access to quality care and service. Through their example, my parents imparted the values that have become central to how I approach my work as a therapist, business owner, and community member.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
(Aubree) I’ll never forget my OB doctor when I was pregnant with my first child. It was such an anxious time, and what made the difference for me wasn’t just her medical care, it was how she listened. She made space for me to feel seen and taken seriously. Her attunement and presence really impacted me.
That experience taught me something I carry into therapy every day: being truly listened to changes everything. As a marriage and family therapist, I see how much this matters not only for individuals, but also for couples and families. When people feel understood, real connection happens and that’s what makes healing and growth possible.
That’s really what we’re about at Buffalo Roam. We work to create a safe space where people can show up as they are and know they’ll be heard. In those kinds of moments, resilience starts to grow and relationships can strengthen in ways people didn’t think were possible.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
(Katherine) My foundational belief is that It’s okay to ask for help, no matter what season of life you are in. We all experience our own life storms at different capacities and at various points in our life. At times, the thought of asking for help can feel daunting – as if we should be able to manage everything on our own. But seeking support in a safe, non-judgmental space, fosters vulnerability, while also building essential coping and communication skills. A greater sense of hope and healing is possible. Whether you are a parent, navigating the depths of pregnancy or postpartum, have a history of trauma, or moving through a life transition – you are not alone.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When Buffalo Roam is gone, which makes us emotional to even think about, we want people to tell the story of having found somewhere safe and comforting to go when they needed it most. We want people to tell their own therapy and healing story, empowering others to consider therapy for themselves. We want people to tell the story of having felt seen, heard, cared for and accepted for exactly who they were when they walked through our doors. We want people to tell the story of how they learned to Be the Buffalo.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buffaloroamtherapy.com
- Instagram: @buffaloroamtherapygroup
- Facebook: @buffaloroamtherapygroup
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Buffaloroamtherapygroup
Image Credits
Cassandra Joy Photography
