Our Therapists
Shannon Kirkpatrick
LMHP, LPC
I have spent my time as a counselor working with people between the ages of 3 and 73 who want help and support in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, big life transitions, motivation, motherhood, boundaries, communication, and relationship issues. While my degree focused highly on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) I consider myself to be eclectic in my approach to therapy, offering skills and thoughts from a variety of different approaches including treatment measures such as Emotion Focused, Narrative, Existential, and Reality therapies.
I enjoy meeting the client where they are at in life, looking for the strengths and positives within them, that sometimes they might not see themselves, but together we get to the root, and help them to see what light and clarity is ahead for them. I also hold a special niche towards offering biblical Christian counseling, when requested, to support those looking for therapeutic guidance, while incorporating the principles of these teachings. Overall, I enjoy utilizing the many options I have been trained and gifted in to support you.
I appreciate you taking the time to read more about me. I hope to earn the right to walk with you through the challenges and victories in your life and look forward to supporting you.
Marissa Frickenschmidt
LIMHP
I have experience working with youth, adolescents, and young adults in both residential and outpatient settings in the areas of depression, anxiety and mood disorders, grief, trauma, suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, and other life experiences.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered, and is strength based to promote healing, resilience, and growth for those I work with. I am trained in multiple evidenced based treatments including, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.
During my downtime I enjoy spending time with my husband and our Beagle, Millie, as well as our friends and family! I love to be outdoors and stay active through walking, biking, or playing pickleball. I also enjoy game nights with the family and finding new experiences in and around Omaha.
Life can be challenging at times. I’m passionate about providing a safe space where you feel empowered to take the next step in your path toward healing. I believe the therapeutic relationship should be welcoming, authentic, and collaborative and helps you to feel safe and supported through your journey.
I look forward to working with you and helping you to navigate through life’s transitions and experiences.
Miran Miller
PLMHP, PCMSW
Welcome, I am Miran Miller. I am a mental health therapist excited and proud to bring my experience and expertise to Be Kind Counseling clients. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, and I earned my Master’s from the University of New Hampshire.
I am a dedicated therapist with experience providing therapy services, psychoeducation, and avocation to promote strong individual and family relationships throughout the Omaha metro area. I have experience working in a variety of treatment settings including residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient therapy for families, teenagers and adults who may be struggling with behavior, mood concerns, career and academic solutions, and internal family struggles. Developing positive personal and family relationships begins with understanding and bridging the gap between individuals and their concerns.
I help clients gain insight on how to become the best versions of themselves through several evidenced based practices and treatments. These include several psychotherapy modalities such as person-centered, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed approaches.
The journey of assisting individuals also includes strategies to empower clients to regulate emotions during depression and anxiety episodes. These strategies are an important aspect for clients to maintain a positive school-work- life- balance, and reach both personal, academic, and professional goals. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and families. I hold a special place in my heart for those going through their golden years of life and would enjoy walking alongside you to help you see all the wonderful things life can continue to offer you. My focused experience has been assisting individuals suffering from a variety of mental health issues including stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic disorder, and challenges related to abuse and neglect.
I am excited to take this next step alongside you and hope to provide you with the compassion and expertise that you deserve in becoming your best self.
Laura Jansen
LIMHP, PLADC
I am a Dual-Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. I earned my undergraduate Bachelor’s in Psychology from Creighton University in 2010 and my Master’s of Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University in 2017.
My experience is primarily with teenagers and adults with diverse backgrounds. I have worked in community outpatient settings, therapeutic transitional living, and structured outpatient treatment centers. I utilize and have trained in several different psychotherapy modalities, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am always looking to stay up to date on research and trainings in order to provide the best care possible.
I value building authentic therapeutic relationships by collaborating with clients to help them reach their goals and discover fulfillment in their lives. I utilize a strengths-based approach and focus on working alongside individuals to meet them where they are at. I believe therapy should be a safe space where people feel comfortable to challenge themselves. In my downtime I enjoy spending time with my family, working on my goal to visit every U.S. National Park, and relaxing with my two cats, Charlie and Harley.
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light.”
– Albus Dumbledore
Chelsea Colpitts
PLMHP, PCMSW
Hi! I’m Chelsea Colpitts, a mental health therapist dedicated to providing compassionate and effective support and therapeutic interventions to individuals seeking a path to healing and personal growth. I am passionate about empowering clients by recognizing their strengths and giving them the tools to cope and thrive. I focus on fostering a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can feel confident bringing their whole selves.
I received my Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska. I have experience working with adolescents and young adults from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on depression, anxiety, conduct-related disorders, identity issues, and trauma. I have provided individual and group therapy services, giving people the tools to manage stressors and provide a safe outlet. My goal is to empower clients to develop coping strategies, gain insights, and make meaningful life changes.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness with a trauma-informed background. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, recognizing that everyone’s journey is different. Together, we will work collaboratively to identify and navigate challenges, build resilience, and cultivate positive change.
Shannon Bolter
LADC, IADC
IOP Program Coordinator
Shannon Bolter serves as the IOP program coordinator for Be Kind Omaha. In this role, she assesses individuals ages 12 and older and provides life-changing treatment and support.
Shannon has worked with hundreds of families to keep them safely together and prevent out-of-home foster care. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable experience in probational work, in-home family services, supervising an in-home therapeutic team, and teaching foster parenting training. Shannon has extensive knowledge in life changing treatment and is certified in trauma-informed care. Shannon also has experience working in partnership with attorneys, service providers and state workers to ensure children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect have a voice.
Shannon is a LADC, and is certified in ASI, CASI and SASSI. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in adolescent psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Shannon is an Omaha native and a proud biological, foster and adoptive mother.
I choose this line of work because over 2 decades ago, I realized the need for child advocacy, and I wanted to do whatever I could to help children feel safe. I absolutely love that I get to be on the prevention and early intervention side of things. When an individual completes an evaluation with me, they are recommended a treatment regimen that best fits their needs. Seeing them find a healthy way of life brings me so much joy and fulfillment.
Alyson Carter
LIMHP, PLADC, CPC
My name is Alyson and I have 10 years of experience as a mental health therapist. I have worked with individuals of all ages from 0-40 years of age. My experience includes, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, and maternal mental health issues. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University, and I obtained my Master’s degree from The University of Toledo in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
When it comes to my therapeutic practice, I utilize Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Perinatal therapy. My overall goal is to meet the individual where they are and work with them based on their needs in session (Person-Centered emphasis). I also have experience working with mothers and their newborns regarding postpartum depression, lactation, and attachment (Perinatal Mental Health).
My favorite aspect of being a therapist is when clients realize their strengths and resilience on their own. My goal is not to tell the individual what they need, I am here to go on the journey with them with support and an unconditional positive regard. I truly enjoy working as a therapist and meting clients in all aspects of life. I learn just as much from our sessions as everyone is their own unique person. I have the privilege to get to know so many wonderful individuals in this world, and I am excited to meet many more!
Lisa Lewis
LIMHP
My name is Lisa Lewis and I have 15 years’ experience as a mental health therapist specifically working with children and adolescents in acute care and residential settings. My passion is empowering others and helping them to find their voice in an often wild, and unpredictable world. My approach is direct but compassionate, with the firm belief that we are all capable of changes that may seem impossible at the time. I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a person-centered approach to help you develop the skills and strengths to move forward successfully in life. Meeting people where they are is a high priority for me and my goal is to make sure that each time you step into my office, you walk out feeling heard, validated, and empowered to conquer the hard things you are facing.
I love all things pink and sparkly, and attitude is everything! I am originally from upstate NY and knew at the age of 14, after watching the movie Lean on Me, that I wanted to help kids that were affected by situations beyond their control. Originally, I thought I would do this by becoming a teacher. Then I realized being a therapist would provide an opportunity for me to reach kids in a variety of settings. After graduating from Tennessee Temple University in 2000, I moved to Nebraska, where I met and married my husband. I received my Masters in Counseling from Grace University in 2008. My husband and I own a traditional Korean Martial Arts school and I teach Little Dragons, ages 4-8, all about the importance of staying active, showing respect for their parents and authority figures, and how to defend themselves against bullies. I have a large extended family and enjoy spending time with them, going on road trips, finding cute coffee shops, and meeting new people. Yes, I am an extravert 😊
I look forward to meeting you and helping you learn new and effective ways to navigate through life’s challenges. I have extensive experience working with kids ages 5-18 who struggle with major mental illness; including suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, depression, anxiety, trauma related to abuse and neglect, emotional dysregulation, bullying, poor coping skills, and complicated family systems. I believe support from parents and caregivers is absolutely essential to the success of a child and I enjoy helping families learn to communicate and connect so they can strengthen their connections and grow together for many years to come. #SparklyAlways #ShineOn
When it rains, look for rainbows; when it is dark, look for stars. – Oscar Wilde
Sheila St. Amant
LIMHP
Hello, I’m Sheila! I am excited to join this wonderful team of professionals at Be Kind Counseling. I am a seasoned Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and certified Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Creighton University and my Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with diverse backgrounds. I utilize a compassionate, mindful, and collaborative approach to counseling to promote healing, hope and resilience. I specialize in treating trauma, ADHD, anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and suicidality. When you become a client of mine my top priority is making you feel safe, validated, and heard. I look forward to helping you grow into your best self. I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, music, serving on the Metro Area Suicide Prevention Committee, and the Blue Bucket Project Board.
Healing yourself is hard work and sometimes needs extra support outside of your internal circle. I am grateful for having over 20 years of experience providing that support for children, teens, and adults. Providing a warm, comforting, and holistic approach in sessions is what I strive to deliver and hope that I can be that extra support that you are needing in your life. Whether you’ve had therapy before or it’s your first time, allow your courageous self to knock down any fears and take the first step into growing into your best self. I look forward to meeting with you and/or your family on your path towards health and healing.
Chase Ehlers
LIMHP
It’s a good day for a good day!
My name is Chase Ehlers and I have been a Mental Health Practitioner for six years and counting, working both in residential and outpatient care settings. I earned my Bachelors in Psychology from Creighton University in 2011 and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Nebraska – Omaha in 2015.
Most of my experience is working with individuals between the ages of 5 and 30 who have struggled with anxiety, depression, suicidality, self-harming, past trauma, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, and relationship issues. When in the therapeutic setting, I use an eclectic approach that utilizes a number of different therapeutic modalities that will meet the current needs of the individuals I serve. Some of the different therapeutic modalities that I utilize are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Behavioral Modification, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, as well as other family and friends. I am a great lover of music and sports. I seek adventure in finding new and fun things to do in the community, so if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
I am looking forward to meeting and gaining the opportunity to work with you and/or your family at Be Kind Counseling!
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