


changing your life's direction
Country Crossroads Counseling
A little bit about Kelsie Carlton . . .

Kelsie Carlton
"I believe that each person is unique
and deserves a personalized approach."
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Hi, I'm Kelsie!
I was born and raised in rural Johnson County, and I truly believe there's something special about small-town communities and the people in them. After earning two Bachelor's degrees, I went on to earn my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Central Missouri.
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Fast forward five years, and I am now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as our Court Liaison, Director of the Community Crisis Coalition, the Clinton Location Leader, and a proud member of our 4Keeps Suicide Prevention Program.
Over those five years, I became trained in EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT and developed a passion for working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, athletes, and individuals navigating the effects of trauma. I see clients in our Warrensburg office, will soon begin seeing clients in our new Clinton location, and also provide therapy in local schools through our School-Based Therapy Program.
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Beyond the therapy room, I love educating our communities through presentations on topics including suicide prevention, the effects of trauma on the brain, mental health in athletes, and the unique challenges faced by high-functioning women. Whether I'm presenting, responding to a crisis, or providing therapy, my goal is always the same: helping people better understand themselves, build resilience, and recognize that healing is possible.
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Above all else, I believe the relationship between therapist and client is the foundation for healing. I don't believe people are broken—I believe they've often developed incredible ways to survive difficult experiences, which is why my therapy style is warm, authentic, and unapologetically real. You'll get compassion, accountability, and probably a healthy dose of sarcasm along the way. I believe humor and a little edge also belong in therapy because healing doesn't have to happen in a room that feels stiff or intimidating. Sometimes growth comes through tears, sometimes through laughter, and often through both in the same session.
Being voted Best of the 'Burg for the past two consecutive years has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I'm incredibly grateful for the trust this community continues to place in me, and I'm excited to see what 2026 brings.
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Outside of work, life is full in the best way. I'm engaged to my incredible fiancé, a proud mom to two amazing kiddos, and grateful for three wonderful bonus kids who keep life exciting. When I'm not in the office, you'll probably find me coaching one of their sports teams, playing slow-pitch softball, playing volleyball, or spending time at the lake—but always with an Alani in hand!
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I know reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, but I hope learning a little about me has made taking that first step feel a little easier. If you're looking for a therapist who will challenge you, support you, celebrate your wins, and remind you that it's okay to laugh through the hard stuff sometimes, I just might be your person. I'd love the opportunity to work with you!
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