Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri, LLC

Addressing the Challenges Faced by Parents of Children with Disabilities

Dear Parent,

You wake up every morning feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. The constant demands of parenting a child with disabilities weigh heavily on you, making each day feel like an insurmountable challenge. This isn’t just about being tired or stressed; it’s an all-consuming struggle that impacts every part of your life.

At Safe Harbor Counseling, I understand these feelings and am here with special needs parenting support and therapy to help you find a way forward.

Man sitting in dark room feeling overwhelmed, counseling, special needs parenting support, therapy.

Meeting Your Guide

Therapist providing counseling and special needs parenting support, experienced in therapy.

Michael Mason, M.Ed., LPC, NCC

That’s where I come in. At Safe Harbor Counseling, I’m here to walk with you through these difficult times. I’m not just a professional; I’m a compassionate guide who truly understands what you’re going through. I’m dedicated to helping you with special needs parenting support and therapy, navigate these overwhelming feelings and find a path to a better life.

You want a therapist who understands your struggles and can provide the counseling support you need. With a master's in education and credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), you can trust that you're in capable hands. You feel reassured knowing that my extensive experience in trauma-informed care and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy directly benefits you. As a parent of a child with disabilities, I deeply understand the unique challenges you face. You experience a safe, non-judgmental space where your unique needs are met with compassion and expertise. Together, we navigate your journey with empathy and specialized support, ensuring you feel understood and supported every step of the way.

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Your Personalized Plan

We'll start by listening to you.

I want to understand your unique experiences and the specific challenges you’re facing. From there, we’ll work together to create a personalized therapy plan that suits your needs. This counseling plan might include practical strategies to help you manage your daily stress and anxiety, special needs parenting support, techniques to improve your mood, and ways to reconnect with the people and activities that bring you joy.

Services Overview

At Safe Harbor Counseling, you find specialized support through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Trauma-Informed Care. MBCT combines cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness techniques, helping you manage stress and emotional exhaustion by focusing on the present moment and responding to thoughts and feelings in healthier ways. Trauma-Informed Care emphasizes safety and empowerment, acknowledging the impact of trauma and avoiding re-traumatization. This approach helps you recognize and cope with signs of trauma, creating a stable, supportive environment for your family. Together, these therapies provide you with practical strategies to maintain your mental health and well-being as a parent of a child with disabilities.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Family sitting together in a field, receiving counseling, special needs parenting support, therapy.

You experience the power of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which combines traditional cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness counseling techniques. Through practices like meditation and breathing exercises, you become more aware of the present moment. MBCT teaches you to recognize your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to respond to them in healthier ways. As a parent of a child with disabilities, you find special needs parenting support to manage stress and reduce feelings of emotional exhaustion. This therapy helps you break the cycle of negative thinking, enabling you to face daily challenges with a clearer, more composed mindset. Whether you're dealing with sleepless nights, complex caregiving tasks, or personal anxieties, MBCT equips you with strategies to maintain your mental health and overall well-being.

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Trauma-Informed Care

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Family in colorful landscape, embracing, counseling, special needs parenting support, therapy.

You feel supported through Trauma-Informed Therapy, which is grounded in an understanding of the impact of trauma. This approach emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety, helping you rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. Parenting a child with disabilities can bring its own set of traumatic experiences, from receiving the diagnosis to navigating the health and educational systems. Our special needs parenting support and counseling ensures that all interactions and treatments are conducted with an awareness of past trauma, actively avoiding re-traumatization. This approach helps you recognize the signs of trauma in yourself—such as heightened anxiety, sudden mood changes, or chronic fatigue—and provides effective strategies for coping. You create a stable, supportive environment for your family, where emotional healing is just as important as physical care.

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Parent Voices: Real Stories of Transformation and Hope

Empowered to Thrive: Overcoming Isolation and Embracing Strengths

Finding Strength: Transforming Fatherhood with Professional Support

"Before I found Safe Harbor Counseling, I felt overwhelmed and underprepared for the daily challenges of parenting a child with special needs. The journey was isolating, and I often neglected my own well-being. Since partnering with Safe Harbor Counseling, I've experienced a remarkable special needs parenting support. The trauma-informed counseling online and strategies I've received have been instrumental in helping me advocate not just for my child, but for myself as well. I've learned to embrace my strengths and recognize my limits, allowing me to become the best version of myself—for me and my family. The tools and understanding provided by Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri have empowered me to face each day with renewed confidence and resilience. I cannot overstate how crucial this support has been in my life."

-P.R.L.

Finding Strength: Transforming Fatherhood with Professional Support

"Joining Safe Harbor Counseling has been a turning point for me. As a father, the pressure to provide and protect can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the unique challenges of raising a child with disabilities. Initially, I struggled silently, believing I had to shoulder everything on my own. The special needs parenting support and trauma-informed counseling online at Safe Harbor taught me the importance of looking after my mental health and provided me with the tools to be a more effective advocate for my family. I’ve learned practical ways to communicate better and manage stress, which has greatly improved my relationship with my children and my role as their dad. Thanks to Safe Harbor, I feel stronger and more equipped to be the parent my children need."

-Z.B.

Stronger Together: Transforming Our Family Life

Finding Strength: Transforming Fatherhood with Professional Support

Stronger Together: Transforming Our Family Life

"As parents, the journey of raising a child with special needs brought unique challenges that often left us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Finding Safe Harbor Counseling was a game-changer for our family. From the very first session, it felt like we finally had the special needs parenting support we needed not only for our child but for ourselves as well. The therapy has empowered us to become strong advocates for our family's needs and taught us valuable skills in self-care and communication. We've both found new ways to support each other and our children, enhancing our family life immensely. Together, we've grown stronger and more resilient, and we owe so much of this progress to the guidance and compassion we've received at Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri. We are now more connected as a family and better equipped to handle whatever comes our way."

-A.M. & J.M.

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Your Transformation

Through our special needs parenting support, therapy, and counseling, you’ll experience a transformation. You’ll move from feeling overwhelmed and unsupported to feeling empowered and connected. You’ll discover the strength within you to overcome obstacles and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.

You don't have to continue to struggle and suffer. Without help, you may keep experiencing the same painful patterns over and over, feeling stuck and overwhelmed. But together, we can break this cycle. You and I can work to create lasting change, helping you find relief, growth, and a more fulfilling life. Don't let these patterns define your future—let's transform them together. Getting help is brave. Getting help is being strong.

Take the First Step Towards a Better Tomorrow

At Safe Harbor Counseling, I’m committed to walking with you every step of the way on your journey to emotional stability and personal growth. Don’t let another day go by feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Reach out to me today and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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Your Trust Is Our Foundation

At Safe Harbor Counseling of Missouri, we deeply value the trust you place in us. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of therapy care and professionalism. Below, you will find the badges of accreditation and associations that endorse our dedication to quality, ethical practice, and continuous improvement in trauma-informed counseling online and special needs parenting support.

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Our Accreditations and Associations

Licensed Professional Counselor of Missouri: Proudly licensed to provide you with competent and professional trauma-informed counseling online.
Verified by Psychology Today: Our practice meets the rigorous verification standards of Psychology Today, ensuring that we provide top-tier psychological services and special needs parenting support.
Good Therapy Affiliation: Recognized by Good Therapy for our ethical and professional services, we are part of a network dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being.
Therapist.com Participant: As a verified member, we connect with individuals seeking personalized and effective mental health care tailored to their unique needs.
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): We hold certification from the NBCC, highlighting our commitment to high ethical standards, continued education, and best practices in counseling.
Therapy Den: Our promise to support clients of all abilities, genders, race, sexual orientation, and more.

Special Needs Parenting Support-Counseling for Hope and Therapy for Healing

Holding Hands, Lifting Hearts — Support for Every Parent

Addressing the Challenges Faced by Parents of Children with Disabilities

You feel trapped in a cycle of burnout, emotional neglect, and isolation.