Brandi Souhrada, MA, LPC, RPT

Kids | Teens | Adults | Complex Trauma | Attachment | Life Transitions | Divorced & Blended Families

Much of my identity was shaped by being a caretaker. Deeply attuned to others’ needs, I learned early on to ignore my own and focus on keeping everyone around me calm and happy. It felt safe; if those around me were okay, then I must be too. But constantly scanning the room with my emotional barometer was exhausting. I found myself waiting for the next shoe to drop, unable to rest in the goodness already present in my life.

Freedom came through my own counseling journey when I learned to slow down, stop people-pleasing, and recognize that I had needs and feelings of my own. Reclaiming my voice and learning to love others with intentionality and healthy boundaries, rather than from a place of earning acceptance or safety, changed everything. I began to take up space, let people in, and trust myself.

In my work, I use an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach to help clients uncover and heal patterns that leave them feeling stuck or disconnected. I draw from several modalities, including Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Adlerian Play Therapy, to create a space where clients can better understand their emotions, strengthen relationships, build self-compassion, and experience meaningful change.

I believe that healing happens within the context of safe, genuine relationships and that even our most painful emotions are trying to tell us something important. We are wired for connection, and learning to stay present and grounded when fear and uncertainty arise can lead to real transformation. Much of how we show up in daily life—our quirks, fears, and protective patterns—are actually brilliant strategies we developed early on to stay safe and meet our needs. The problem is that we often keep using them long after they’ve stopped serving us, keeping us stuck in cycles that undermine the relationships and peace we long for.

I work with children (ages 5–12), teens, adults, and families facing anxiety, grief, complex trauma, relationship struggles, or life transitions like divorce or blending families. I have a particular passion for supporting those navigating loss, addiction, parenting challenges, or complex family dynamics.

My Christian faith shapes the way I understand people, pain, and transformation. I believe that God can meet us powerfully in the midst of our struggles. For clients who wish to bring their faith into counseling, I offer a space where scripture and prayer are woven into the healing process. I also work respectfully with clients of all beliefs and will always honor your personal perspective.

To me, counseling is a place to explore, grow, and feel deeply understood without judgment. My relational approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, thoughtful insight, hope, and humor (yes, it’s okay to laugh in therapy!). Together, we’ll get to the root of what’s happening beneath the surface, beyond protective layers, and uncover new ways of seeing yourself and your story. Through expressive art techniques, sand tray therapy, and somatic-based practices, we’ll also explore how stress shows up physically and develop tools to feel more grounded, balanced, and calm.

I’ll meet you exactly where you are, offering guidance and practical support to help you move from simply surviving to truly thriving. Let’s work together to uncover your story, build resilience, and find the peace and healing you’re seeking.

Education and Experience

• B.S. in Elementary Education, University of Missouri
• M.A. in Counseling, Covenant Theological Seminary
• Play Therapy Certification, Missouri Baptist University
• Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor
• Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT)