Hispanic/Latina Therapist in Kansas City, MO.
Hey! I’m Lynee Gonzales, M.S., PLMFT - A Latina Mental Health Therapist in Kansas City, MO.
If you’re Hispanic or Latino and looking for a therapist in Kansas City, MO, you’ve come to the right place.
I know that seeking mental health support isn’t always easy, especially in communities where strength and self-reliance are often emphasized. But here’s the truth: taking care of your mental health is one of the strongest, most courageous things you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
As a Latina therapist, I understand that our cultural background plays a huge role in how we experience life, relationships, and even mental health. Whether it’s navigating family dynamics, feeling like you’re balancing two cultures, or tackling the stigma that still surrounds mental health in our community, I get it—and I’m here for you.
Specialized Services for Hispanic/Latino Individuals in Kansas City, MO.
-
Individual Therapy
Sometimes, life’s challenges feel too heavy to carry alone. In individual therapy, we’ll focus on helping you heal, grow, and reconnect with your authentic self. Whether it’s childhood wounds, identity struggles, or stress from trying to balance multiple roles, I’ll provide a compassionate and empowering space to work through it all. You deserve to feel whole and confident in your journey forward.
-
Couples Counseling
Every relationship has its ups and downs, and cultural dynamics often add another layer of complexity. In couples counseling, we’ll work on building deeper understanding, resolving conflicts, and fostering a partnership that feels supportive and fulfilling. Together, we’ll tackle the challenges while celebrating the strengths that make your relationship unique.
-
Family Therapy
Family is at the heart of our culture—but let’s be honest, it can also be complicated! In family therapy, we’ll explore ways to improve communication, set boundaries, and heal old wounds. Whether it’s navigating generational differences, enmeshed relationships, or managing the impacts of cultural expectations, I’ll help your family build stronger, healthier connections.
You Don’t Have to Speak Spanish to Be Seen.
Let’s clear something up right away: Your cultural identity isn’t defined by whether or not you speak Spanish. As someone who grew up navigating this exact struggle, I know how complicated it can feel to connect with your roots when you’ve been told that language is the ultimate marker of identity. It’s not.
Being Hispanic or Latino is about so much more—our values, traditions, relationships, and the stories that shape us. Whether you’re fluent in Spanish, speak a little, or don’t speak it at all, your experiences and identity are valid.
In therapy, we’ll focus on what matters most: understanding your unique journey and creating a space where you feel fully seen and supported. If you’ve ever felt “not enough” because of how you express your cultural identity, we’ll work to reframe those thoughts and focus on what being true to yourself really means.
You don’t need to explain or prove your connection to your culture here. I get it. Therapy with me is about showing up as you are—language barriers or not—and finding ways to embrace every part of who you are. Your identity is yours to define, and together, we’ll honor it in a way that feels empowering and real.
“Working with Lynee helped me understand the complicated relationship I have with my family. As a first-generation Mexican American, I always felt torn between respecting my parents' traditional values and wanting to live my own life. Lynee helped me set healthy boundaries while still honoring my family’s importance to me. I’ve learned so much about myself and feel stronger in my identity. Therapy with her has been a game-changer!”
-Mariana, 31
“I was hesitant to start therapy because I grew up believing that we should handle everything on our own. Talking about emotions wasn’t something we did in my family. But after my first session with Lynee, I knew I’d made the right decision. She understood where I was coming from and helped me see that seeking help wasn’t a weakness—it was an act of strength. For the first time in years, I feel like I’m taking control of my life.”
-Diego, 28
“You deserve a therapist who understands you from your unique cultural background. As a Latina therapist, it’s my honor to serve the POC in the Kansas City area. I can’t wait to work with you!”
-Lynee Gonzales, M.S., PLMFT
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Hispanic/Latino Clients.
Our culture is beautiful, vibrant, and full of traditions that connect us to our roots. But let’s be real—being Hispanic or Latino in today’s world can come with its own set of challenges. Navigating those challenges while staying true to yourself isn’t always easy, and that’s where therapy can make all the difference.
Here are just a few of the unique experiences that many of my clients face:
-
Family is everything in Hispanic culture, but sometimes, those close connections can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s dealing with enmeshed relationships, strict family expectations, or unspoken generational trauma, it can be hard to find balance. We’ll explore these dynamics together, uncovering ways to honor your family while creating boundaries that support your emotional well-being.
-
Let’s face it—many of us grew up hearing that emotions were something to handle on our own. Asking for help might have been seen as a weakness. But here’s the truth: taking care of your mental health is one of the strongest, most empowering things you can do. In therapy, we’ll work to break through those stigmas and redefine what strength really means for you.
-
Living between two cultures can feel like a balancing act. You might feel pressure to assimilate while also holding on to your heritage. That tug-of-war can create stress, confusion, and even a sense of identity loss. Together, we’ll work through these feelings and help you find harmony in your unique cultural identity.
-
Whether it’s navigating gender roles, managing extended family relationships, or dealing with cultural expectations about work, family, or success, it can be hard to prioritize your own needs. Therapy is a space where you can unpack those pressures and discover how to make choices that align with your goals and values.
As a therapist who understands these cultural nuances, I’m here to provide a space where you can explore these challenges without judgment. Together, we’ll celebrate the strength and resilience that comes from your cultural identity while working toward a life that feels fulfilling and true to who you are. Let’s make space for your voice and your story—it’s time to put you first.
Why Choose Therapy With Lynee Gonzales?
Therapy is an investment in yourself—your well-being, your relationships, and your future. If you’re ready to take that step, I’d be honored to partner with you on this journey. Let’s create a space where you can heal, thrive, and become the best version of yourself.
Choosing the right therapist is a deeply personal decision, and I want you to feel confident that you’re in the best hands. Here’s why working with me could be the right fit for you:
-
As a Latina therapist, I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come from living at the intersection of our rich cultural heritage and modern life. Whether it’s navigating generational trauma, balancing two cultures, or managing family dynamics, my approach is grounded in empathy and cultural understanding. I don’t just see you as a client—I see you as a whole person, shaped by your identity, experiences, and dreams.
-
Your story is uniquely yours, and your therapy should reflect that. I tailor every session to your specific needs, ensuring that our work together feels meaningful and aligned with your goals. My style is warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental, creating a space where you can feel safe to open up, explore, and grow.
-
Family is central to our culture, but it’s not always easy to navigate. Whether you’re dealing with enmeshed relationships, cultural expectations, or unspoken family rules, I bring a deep understanding of these dynamics to help you find clarity and balance.
-
Whether you speak Spanish fluently or not at all, whether you feel deeply connected to your culture or are still figuring it out, I’m here to meet you where you are. Therapy is a space where all parts of your identity are welcome, celebrated, and understood.
-
My mission is to help you heal, grow, and create the life you want. Together, we’ll work to identify what’s holding you back, celebrate your strengths, and empower you to make choices that align with your values and aspirations.
Navigating Machismo and Gender Roles.
Cultural expectations around gender can be both empowering and limiting, especially within Hispanic and Latino communities. Whether it’s machismo, marianismo, or other traditional gender roles, these deeply ingrained dynamics can impact your relationships, self-worth, and mental health.
Let’s talk about machismo. While it can sometimes represent positive traits like strength and responsibility, it often reinforces rigid ideas about masculinity and creates power imbalances in relationships. On the flip side, marianismo—the expectation for women to be self-sacrificing and nurturing—can make it difficult to prioritize your own needs and set boundaries.
In therapy, we’ll unpack how these roles show up in your life and relationships. Whether you’ve felt pressured to meet these expectations or challenged them outright, this is a space to explore how they’ve shaped your experiences. We’ll work together to redefine what masculinity, femininity, and partnership look like for you in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Here are some ways we might approach this work:
-
Reclaim your voice and learn to prioritize your needs without guilt. Let’s challenge the belief that putting yourself first is selfish—it’s essential.
-
Break free from limiting definitions of masculinity. Together, we’ll explore vulnerability, emotional expression, and healthy ways to connect with others.
-
Whether you’re navigating traditional or modern roles, we’ll focus on creating partnerships based on mutual respect, communication, and shared goals.
Our culture is rich with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow every rule or expectation. Therapy is a space where you can explore your identity, challenge old patterns, and create a path that honors who you are. Together, we’ll rewrite the script and find balance in the roles you choose to embrace.
Breaking the Cycle: Generational Healing in Hispanic/Latino Families.
In Hispanic and Latino families, our roots run deep. We carry our traditions, our values, and sometimes, the unspoken wounds of those who came before us. Generational trauma—those patterns of pain, silence, or conflict passed down through families—can feel overwhelming, but the good news is, it doesn’t have to define you.
Breaking the cycle doesn’t mean leaving your family behind or forgetting where you come from. It means honoring your heritage while choosing a healthier, more fulfilling path for yourself and future generations. As a therapist, I’m here to help you navigate this delicate balance with compassion and understanding.
Here are some common challenges we can address together:
Unspoken Family Secrets: Many of us grew up in households where certain topics were “off-limits.” Therapy is a safe space to explore how these silences have shaped your relationships and identity.
Generational Expectations: Whether it’s pressure to succeed, marry, or follow specific traditions, we’ll work to understand these expectations and how they align—or don’t—with your values.
Healing Generational Trauma: From patterns of addiction to unresolved conflict, we’ll address these cycles with the goal of finding peace and closure for yourself and your family.
Navigating Cultural Identity: Feeling caught between cultures is a common experience for many Hispanic and Latino individuals. Whether it’s acculturation stress, struggles with identity, or a sense of “not fitting in” with either culture, we’ll work through these challenges together.
Becoming a Transitional Character: You don’t have to be perfect to create change. Simply by doing the work, you’re taking steps to rewrite your family’s story in a positive way.
Being the one to break the cycle is hard, but it’s also incredibly brave. It’s about more than just healing yourself; it’s about creating a ripple effect that can positively impact your family for years to come.
Together, we’ll uncover the strength you already have to face these challenges and make choices that honor both where you’ve been and where you’re going. You have the power to create change—let’s take that step together.
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when cultural nuances shape so much of who we are. That’s why I offer personalized, culturally informed services designed to meet the unique needs of Hispanic and Latino clients. Whether you’re seeking support as an individual, as a couple, or with your family, we’ll create a plan that aligns with your goals and values.
Take the First Step Towards Healing Today.
Client Testimonials (All names have been changed to protect client privacy.)
-
"I’ve struggled for years with feeling ‘not Latina enough’ because I don’t speak Spanish fluently. Lynee not only made me feel seen but also helped me embrace my identity in a way I never thought possible. She also guided me through processing generational trauma in my family. It’s been such a healing journey, and I’m finally breaking cycles I didn’t even realize I was part of. I’m so grateful for her guidance."
— Sofia, 35
-
"Our family had always struggled with communication—there were so many unspoken expectations and unresolved issues that it felt like we were constantly walking on eggshells. Lynee helped us navigate those tough conversations with compassion and understanding. She taught us how to communicate in a way that felt respectful and safe for everyone. We’re not perfect, but now we’re able to work through conflicts without falling apart. For the first time in years, I feel hopeful about our family’s future."
— Carlos, 45
-
"My husband and I were stuck in the same arguments over and over again, and it felt like we weren’t hearing each other anymore. Lynee helped us see how cultural expectations we’d grown up with were influencing our relationship—things we didn’t even realize were affecting us. With her guidance, we’ve learned how to communicate better and really understand each other’s needs. Our relationship feels stronger than it ever has, and we’re so grateful for the tools Lynee gave us."
— Ana and Miguel, married 7 years
-
"We came to Lynee because we felt stuck between honoring our families and building the life we wanted as a couple. As two Latinas, the cultural expectations and family pressures sometimes felt overwhelming. Lynee created such a safe, welcoming space for us to work through those challenges. She helped us strengthen our bond while learning how to set boundaries with love and respect. We feel more confident and united than ever, and we couldn’t have done it without her."
— Isabel and Lucia, together 4 years
Not Ready to Commit to Scheduling an Appointment Just Yet?
That’s ok! Feel free to learn more about Lynee here and check out more pictures of her office here.
If you’re still interested, you and Lynee may just be a good fit! Feel free to click the button below to schedule your first appointment today!
-
Hispanic/Latino therapy focuses on mental health care that is sensitive to cultural values, traditions, and challenges common within Hispanic and Latino communities. It addresses issues like bicultural identity, generational conflict, immigration stress, and family expectations with a therapist who understands these nuances.
-
Culturally informed therapy ensures that your experiences, values, and background are understood and respected. For Hispanic/Latino clients, this may include exploring family dynamics, language preferences, spirituality, or social stigmas around mental health.
-
While having a Hispanic/Latino therapist can enhance cultural connection, the most important factor is finding someone who listens with empathy and respect. At Liz Davis Therapy, you have the option to work with Lynee Gonzales, M.S., PLMFT, a proud Mexican-American woman who brings her lived experience and cultural understanding to her therapeutic practice. Whether or not you share her background, she is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and compassionate space for your healing journey.
-
Generational and cultural conflicts often arise from differences in values, traditions, and experiences between parents, children, or extended family. Therapy provides tools to navigate these differences, improve communication, and foster stronger connections within your family.
-
Challenges can include anxiety, depression, PTSD, immigration-related stress, cultural identity struggles, and intergenerational trauma. Therapy can help address these concerns in a way that aligns with your cultural values and personal goals.
-
Mental health stigma is common in many Hispanic/Latino families. Therapy can help normalize seeking support by emphasizing that mental health care is a sign of strength and a way to improve your relationships and overall well-being.
-
Not at all! You don’t have to speak Spanish to feel seen and understood at Liz Davis Therapy. While we don’t provide therapy in Spanish, we deeply value and respect your cultural experiences, traditions, and background. Our approach focuses on creating a space where you can express yourself fully, no matter your primary language. We’re here to connect with you and support your unique journey.
-
Absolutely. Therapy provides a space to explore your bicultural identity, helping you balance the expectations of your heritage with those of broader American culture, fostering greater self-acceptance and confidence.
-
Therapy can address unique stressors related to immigration, such as navigating cultural transitions, trauma from migration experiences, discrimination, or family separation. We provide tools to process these challenges and build resilience.
Therapy can address unique stressors related to immigration, such as navigating cultural transitions, trauma from migration experiences, discrimination, or family separation. We provide tools to process these challenges and build resilience. -
Your first session is all about getting to know you—your story, concerns, and goals. We’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, explore how your cultural background influences your experiences, and create a plan tailored to your needs.