Liz Davis Therapy Group – Where Healing Feels Like Home in Kansas City

A Therapist’s Origin Story

Liz Davis knew from a young age that she was destined to help others heal. “I’ve always known I wanted to be a therapist since I was 14,” she says[1]. Growing up with a mother who was an entrepreneur and having seen her own first therapist in private practice, Liz developed an early vision of forging her own path in mental health care. By the time she entered graduate school, she was certain that working for herself in a private practice setting was a non-negotiable career goal[2].

True to that vision, Liz launched her solo practice immediately after finishing grad school. She recalls that the practice “just kind of exploded right away”[3]. Demand for her compassionate, client-centered approach was so

high that within a couple of years, she brought on her first intern therapist, a graduate student named Harry Green[4]. Even with two clinicians, their caseload was soon full with a waitlist growing. This overwhelming response planted the seed for expansion. In late 2024, Liz took the leap from solo practitioner to founder of a group practice, opening a dedicated office space and hiring her first employees[5]. “None of that was part of the plan... but the demand was there, and I just followed it,” she reflects, noting that the rapid growth turned into “something really amazing”[6].

That pivotal decision to expand was encouraged by those closest to her. Liz’s fiancé, Peter, had long seen the need for a larger practice to serve the many people seeking her help. One day during a mindfulness walk around her block, Liz realized she was finally ready to grow. “I got home from my walk, and I said, hey, remember the group practice idea? Let’s do it. I want to do it,” she recounts[7][8]. From that summer moment of clarity, things moved quickly. Peter left his career in digital marketing to become her first office manager, Harry came on board as a full-fledged team member, and by the fall of 2024 the Liz Davis Therapy Group was up and running[9][10]. In just a few months, a dream had become reality.

Today, Liz Davis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Kansas and Missouri and the founder of The Liz Davis Therapy Group – a thriving boutique-style practice located at 4116 Baltimore Avenue in Midtown Kansas City. What started as one young therapist’s passion has grown into a dynamic team practice that is making waves in Kansas City’s mental health scene. (In fact, Liz’s practice was recently named among the Best Marriage Counselors in Kansas City for both 2024 and 2025[11].) Yet through all this growth, Liz has stayed true to her original mission: providing authentic, inclusive care that makes every client feel heard and supported.

Identity, Inclusion, and Community Care

From day one, Liz built her practice with a clear intention to serve communities that traditional therapy spaces have often overlooked. “The reason we have certain pages for certain demographics is because I wanted to create a safe space for different marginalized communities who may not always feel safe in the medical or mental health world,” she explains[12]. On the practice’s website (which she designed herself), visitors immediately see that all of who they are is welcome. Identities aren’t just accepted – they are explicitly celebrated. “I wanted them to visit the website and know that their identities were not just acceptable, but celebrated,” Liz says of prospective clients[13].

This inclusive ethos is deeply personal for Liz. “You know, I’m a queer woman myself, I’m a woman of color, my mom’s an immigrant, so I’m a first-generation American,” she shares, illustrating the rich tapestry of identity that she brings to her work[14]. Her own lived experience fuels her empathy and drives her to reach others who need affirming care. The Liz Davis Therapy Group explicitly focuses on serving LGBTQIA+ clients, BIPOC clients (including Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and other people of color), children of immigrants, cannabis-friendly individuals, and those in non-traditional relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy. These focus areas aren’t just marketing – they stem from the team’s makeup. Whenever a new clinician with a particular identity or passion joins the group, Liz makes sure the practice reflects it: “Anytime we add someone to the team who has an identity that is meaningful to them and it’s not currently represented on the website, we add it to the website. We try to make our offerings a reflection of who we are,” she notes[15]. In fact, Liz created a page for Non-Monogamous Relationships Therapy because she herself is in an ethically non-monogamous relationship and knew the community’s needs firsthand. “Not a lot of practices in Kansas City market directly to people in ethically non-monogamous relationships, so I wanted to make a page for it,” she says[16].

By simply being open about who they are, Liz and her team have struck a chord in the community. “We are little representations of Kansas City,” she says of her diverse staff, “so I figured if we just put ourselves out there, people would respond.”[17] And respond they have. Many clients from these often underserved groups have found their way to Liz Davis Therapy Group and finally felt what it’s like to be truly seen. For someone who has never had a therapist understand their identity or culture, walking into Liz’s office can be a revelation. Clients have literally said, “I’ve never really felt truly seen in therapy before,” and Liz takes that to heart, striving to make that first session a radically safe space[18].

The Group Practice That Feels Like Home

One step into the Liz Davis Therapy Group’s office, and you might mistake it for a comfortable living room or an eclectic art gallery – in the best way. This is by design. Liz was determined to break the stiff, clinical mold of traditional therapy offices. “As a practice, we are not super buttoned-up and clinical… I figured out I really did not like feeling like I was talking to someone super buttoned up, with a clipboard assessing me,” Liz says,

recalling her own experiences as a therapy client[19]. Clipboard culture is exactly what she didn’t want. “You’re telling your deepest, darkest, most vulnerable shit and they’re like, uh-huh, uh-huh… writing things down, just staring at you,” she jokes, pinpointing the alienating vibe many patients dread[20]. Her mission was “to create an opposite vibe”[21] – one that is warm, inviting, and deeply human.

Walk into Liz’s office today and you’ll immediately notice the difference. “Literally, clients all the time just straight up ask me, Do you live here? Is this your house?” Liz laughs[22]. The space truly feels like a home: there’s no harsh overhead fluorescent lighting, only the gentle glow of lamps and candles in every room[23]. The walls are adorned with vibrant local art, playful posters, and personal touches curated by Liz herself. (Her style, she admits, is “maximalism to the extreme” – eclectic, colorful, and full of personality[24].) Plush rugs, cozy throw blankets, and soft cushions abound, making each therapy nook feel like a safe haven. It’s all part of creating what Liz calls a “very homey, very personable” environment[25] – the kind of space where you can truly exhale and be yourself.

That same philosophy extends to how the therapists present themselves. At Liz’s practice, there is no dress code demanding suits or clinical white coats. In fact, clinicians are encouraged to ditch the stuffy business casual if it’s not who they really are. “I tell them, be exactly who you are. If you do not dress business casual in your day-to-day life, don’t dress that way to the office,” Liz insists[26]. Whether a therapist feels most themselves in a button-down or in neat athleisure, what matters is that they are comfortable and authentic. “Express yourself… if your athleisure and sweatpants… is how you feel confident, by all means, wear that as a therapist to session,” she says[27]. The idea might sound radical in a field known for formality, but it stems from a deep clinical insight: when the therapist is relaxed and genuine, the client can be too. “Everyone at the Liz Davis Therapy Group gets trained to be a human being and use their unique personhood as a tool in the therapy room,” Liz explains[28]. By showing up as actual authentic human beings, rather than distant experts, her therapists send a powerful subconscious signal that puts clients at ease. It “gives the client permission to feel that much more comfortable, that much more at ease, with themselves and what they’re sharing, because they’re being met with a very human response,” Liz says[29][30]. In other words, realness is therapeutic.

This human-first approach has clearly resonated. The practice has blossomed with clients who might never have felt comfortable in a traditional clinic, but who flourish in the presence of therapists who talk, look, and act like real people. Liz proudly notes that each therapist’s personality shines through in sessions: “It’s not gonna look the same – the way I respond is gonna look different than one of my employees or one of my graduate student therapists, because we’re all different people… and I just teach them, use your intuition… Don’t try to act like a therapist. Just be you,” she tells her team[31][32]. That authenticity, layered on top of solid clinical training, is “inherently therapeutic”[33]. The result is a practice culture where clients often feel more like they’re chatting with a wise, caring friend than undergoing a formal therapy session – and that’s exactly the goal. As one Kansas City Thrive editor observed in conversation with Liz, this approach has led to an “explosion of people” flocking to the practice, drawn by its warmth and relatability[34].

Trauma Healing as Jazz: Therapy at Liz Davis Therapy

Beyond the welcoming vibe and identity-affirming focus, the Liz Davis Therapy Group is also known for its clinically sophisticated, trauma-informed care. All of Liz’s clinicians are trained in evidence-based modalities – from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) – and every therapist on staff approaches their work through a trauma-informed lens. But what truly distinguishes the therapeutic experience here is how these tools are used. Liz herself is a seasoned trauma therapist, but she isn’t rigid about sticking to one methodology. “Regardless of what the theory or modality is… it informs my approach, but there’s almost no modality that I do purely,” she explains[35]. In fact, Liz cheerfully admits, “I don’t go by the book. I don’t follow the protocols”[36]. Instead, she has developed her own artful integration of techniques – one that she famously likens to jazz music.

“You have to be able to read music and understand how to play classical music in order to play jazz skillfully,” Liz says, drawing an apt analogy[37]. She has mastered the fundamentals of trauma therapy (“I classically know how to treat trauma”), but when a client walks into her office, she treats the interaction like a jazz improvisation, attuned to the unique rhythm of that person’s story[38]. “When I meet someone in the therapy room, that’s a unique individual with their unique story. I’m not going to use the same protocol with Person A as I am with Person B... they’re two different people,” she explains[39]. In practice, this means Liz might pull from EMDR if a painful memory surfaces, pivot to an AEDP emotion-deepening technique in the next moment, and then ease into organic talk therapy or a bit of psychoeducation – all in the same session[40][41]. “I definitely play jazz when it comes to trauma healing,” she says with a smile. “I’m informed by AEDP… I’m informed by EMDR… but I also infuse just organic talk therapy, some psychoanalysis, some psychoeducation. It really is an art form. To be honest, I do it more as an art form than a science”[42][43].

Like any jazz riff, this flexible approach has its risks and rewards. The benefit, as Liz points out, is a truly personalized experience: clients get “curated care that’s just for them” – therapy tailored to fit their life, not a one-size protocol[44][45]. And the results can be remarkable. Liz and her team often find that by the second or third session, clients are already experiencing significant breakthroughs, precisely because the therapy meets

them exactly where they are[46][47]. On the flip side, Liz is candid that “that type of jazz isn’t for everyone”[48]. Some individuals might actually prefer a more by-the-book, “textbook… classical way of doing things, and that’s okay too,” she acknowledges[49]. For those clients, Liz ensures they’re taken care of even if it’s not at her office. “If they come and see me…and they are looking for something a little more buttoned up, a little bit more clinical, I make sure they know – if this is not a good fit for you, please contact our office manager, and we will provide 1–3 referrals to you within a week,” she says[50]. That level of honesty and humility is refreshing; there’s no ego about having to be the therapist for everyone. As Liz puts it, “none of us assume we’re gonna be the best fit for every single person that walks through the door”[51]. The priority is that each person finds the help they need, even if that means referring out – a graceful touch that speaks to the client-first philosophy at Liz Davis Therapy Group.

The jazz metaphor also extends to how Liz views each therapeutic relationship. She believes the relationship itself is the foundation of healing. Just as five musicians can interpret one song in completely different ways, Liz finds that no two therapist-client pairs ever work exactly alike. “Five different people could look at the same painting and have five different interpretations… my experience with each client is so uniquely different than the next,” she says[52]. What remains constant (the “golden thread,” as Liz calls it) is a base of trust and respect, but the dynamic, the banter, the communication style – all of that is individualized[53][54]. “I have some go-to metaphors and coping strategies… things that tend to help people go from just surviving life to thriving in life,” Liz explains. “But what applies to one person may be completely irrelevant to the next person, or actually irritating,” she laughs[55][56]. It’s a gentle reminder that effective therapy isn’t about plugging clients into formulas; it’s about listening and creatively adapting to what works for each individual. That flexibility is exactly what Liz Davis Therapy Group champions, and it’s redefining the therapy experience for many Kansas Citians who might not have found success in more rigid therapy settings.

Pricing, Access, and Concierge Care

From the start, Liz made a bold choice about the business side of her practice: no insurance, no barriers. The Liz Davis Therapy Group operates entirely out-of-network with insurance providers. This decision, though unusual, is very intentional. “We intentionally stay out of network with insurance to protect client privacy and clinical autonomy,” Liz has explained[57]. In her view, therapy should be dictated by the clients’ needs – not by diagnoses and session limits imposed by insurance companies. No third-party gatekeepers means greater confidentiality (records aren’t shared with insurers) and the freedom to use whatever therapeutic approach fits best for the client[58][59]. Of course, Liz is the first to acknowledge that private pay therapy can be a burden, so she’s structured her group to maximize access and affordability despite not taking insurance. “We never have to turn anyone away,” she says confidently – a bold claim that the practice really backs up[60]. How do they manage it? By offering a full range of pricing options.

At one end of the spectrum, Liz employs graduate student therapist interns (supervised trainees like Harry Green and others) who provide counseling on a sliding scale, even as low as pro bono in cases of serious need. “Everywhere from, like, pro bono clients – maybe they’re unhoused or have a disability or just lost their job – and they really need care, we’re able to help them,” Liz notes[61]. No one in crisis is turned away due to lack of funds. Then, on the other end, the practice has fully licensed clinicians (including Liz herself) who charge standard private rates, which some clients are willing and able to pay. “We have other clients whose budget is larger, and we can accommodate that as well,” she adds[62]. This tiered model – multiple clinicians at different fee levels – allows the group to serve people across the economic spectrum. “High-quality mental health care should be accessible to absolutely everyone in Kansas City, regardless of socioeconomic status,” Liz emphasizes[63]. It’s a philosophy the entire team shares, and they’ve structured their fees accordingly (with individual therapy sessions ranging from around $50 with an intern to $200 with Liz, and other options in between).

Another way Liz’s practice lowers barriers is by making the intake process incredibly fast and user-friendly. Prospective clients don’t have to navigate a maze of paperwork or wait weeks for a callback. In fact, if you reach out, you’ll likely be speaking with Peter – yes, the same Peter who encouraged Liz to start the group, now serving as the indispensable office manager. “I consider Peter the concierge of our group practice,” Liz

says fondly[64]. His role is all about service: he’s available “literally night and day” to answer questions from clients, whether they’re brand-new inquiries or longtime regulars[64]. If you’re not even sure how to begin or whom you should see, Peter will gently guide you. “Getting ahold of Peter, if you don’t even know what the first step is, is a great way to get started,” Liz advises[65]. And here’s the astonishing part – under Peter’s attentive care, you can go from inquiry to scheduled appointment faster than ordering a coffee? “He usually can get someone on the phone and matched with a therapist and scheduled in about 7 to 10 minutes,” Liz reveals[66]. Seven to ten minutes! Even the interviewer listening had to pause: “Wow… that is absolutely amazing,” he remarked[67]. In an industry where people often wait days just to hear back from a clinic, the Liz Davis Therapy Group’s concierge-style onboarding is truly a game changer.

This high-touch approach means clients feel cared for from the very first contact. It’s not just efficient; it’s personal. Peter will take the time to understand what you’re looking for and pair you with the right therapist on the team. And if, for any reason, the fit isn’t perfect, the team will help connect you with someone outside their practice who is. That level of commitment to each person’s healing journey exemplifies what Liz Davis Therapy Group stands for: making therapy accessible, responsive, and even comfortable. As Kansas City Thrive put it, they’ve created a space where therapy is “clinically sophisticated” but also curated to the individual – truly a concierge experience built around the client[68][69].

A KC Practice Changing the Therapy Landscape

In just a few short years, Liz Davis has built something more than a successful therapy practice – she’s built a community hub for healing that is shifting perceptions of what therapy in Kansas City can be. Word has gotten out. The Liz Davis Therapy Group has been showered with local accolades, including being named among the Best Marriage Counselors in Kansas City for 2024 and 2025[11]. And while it’s not in her nature to boast, Liz is clearly proud that her team was recognized as one of KC’s standout small businesses in 2026[11]. The praise is well-earned. They have demonstrated that a therapy practice can thrive while doing things differently – whether it’s boldly foregoing insurance to put clients first, or directly welcoming those who often feel unwelcome elsewhere.

Equally important is the impact Liz is making beyond the therapy room. She’s become something of a mental health educator and advocate in the community. Through an active blog on the practice’s website and regular social media posts, Liz freely shares insights on topics ranging from managing anxiety and digital detox to finding work-life balance and seasonal depression. “There’s just a myriad of things out there,” the Kansas City Thrive interviewer noted of her content, praising how Liz uses blogs and social media to help people feel “more resourced and less alone” even if they aren’t in therapy with her[70][71]. By demystifying concepts like EMDR or exploring questions like “What does my therapist really think about me?”, Liz’s Therapist Thoughts blog series has become a source of comfort and knowledge for many. This public outreach reflects the same values she brings to therapy: authenticity, warmth, and a desire to empower others. It’s one more way she’s lowering barriers and making mental health support accessible to the broader community.

Perhaps the most powerful testament to Liz Davis’s impact is the stories one hears from clients. It’s not uncommon for someone to say that for the first time in their life, they feel truly heard and affirmed in a therapist’s office. The client-therapist relationship lies at the heart of this. “The foundation of the success of treatment really is the relationship that is built between the therapist and the client,” Liz emphasizes[72]. Her ability to cultivate that genuine relationship – one rooted in trust, respect, and even humor – is changing lives. Each therapist she’s brought onto the team shares that gift for connection. As a result, the Liz Davis Therapy Group has cultivated a reputation not just for excellent clinical work, but for heart-forward care that leaves people feeling seen and uplifted.

Liz’s journey from a determined 14-year-old dreamer to an award-winning therapist and business owner is inspiring on many levels. She has shown that being unapologetically oneself – queer, woman of color, first-gen American, “casual therapist” attire and all – can be a revolutionary act in the therapy world. By building a practice around radical acceptance and inclusion, she’s offering a healing space to those who need it most. By treating therapy as both art and science, she’s helping clients unlock profound growth. And by insisting that help be available to anyone who reaches out, she’s ensuring that cost and stigma don’t stand in the way of healing.

In Kansas City, the Liz Davis Therapy Group is more than a therapy practice – it’s a beacon of hope and progress. As Kansas City Thrive’s spotlight on Liz concluded, if you’ve been wondering what it might feel like to have a therapist who actually “gets” your identity, your relationships, your story – this might just be the place[73]. Liz Davis and her team are helping Kansas City feel not only a little safer and more connected, but also genuinely seen. In a world that can often feel isolating, that sense of belonging can be downright life-changing. And that is the true magic happening behind the doors of that cozy yellow house on Baltimore Avenue.

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58] [59] [60] [61] [62] [63] [64] [65] [66] [67] [68] [69] [70] [71] [72] [73] Kansas City Thrive Audio Podcast