Meet Dennis McGowan, Graduate Student Therapist in Kansas City, MO
Down-to-Earth, insightful counseling that is affordable and effective
Therapy with Dennis McGowan is about more than just solving problems; it’s about creating space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Whether you’re feeling emotionally stuck, struggling in your relationship, or unsure how to move forward in a season of transition, Dennis offers a grounded, compassionate presence to walk alongside you.
Dennis brings the wisdom of lived experience into every session. Before becoming a therapist, Dennis worked in education and literature, experiences that shaped his deep respect for story, meaning, and the complexity of being human. He understands what it’s like to feel pressure to hold it all together while quietly wondering if you’re okay.
Dennis especially enjoys working with men who struggle to articulate their emotions, are stuck in reactive cycles in their relationships, and individuals exploring questions about their identity and purpose. Dennis is a member of the Queer-Affirming Therapists Guild of Kansas City, and is a proud LGBTQIA+ ally. His clients often describe him as calm, curious, and steady—a therapist who listens closely, speaks honestly, and isn’t afraid to sit with the hard stuff.
For those seeking a therapist who brings both insight and real-world understanding, Dennis provides a space where meaningful change can begin.
Fees and Scheduling
Dennis offers therapy on a sliding scale basis at Liz Davis Therapy Group. He sees individuals both in-person in Kansas City and online throughout Kansas and Missouri. As a Graduate Student Therapist, Dennis works under the clinical supervision of a fully licensed clinician.
Standard Fee: $75 per 50-minute session
Sliding Scale: As low as $10 based on need
Scheduling: Morning and weekend availability
Format: In-person or telehealth sessions offered
Insurance: Not accepted, to protect your privacy and autonomy
Who I Work With and What We Work On
I work with individuals who are ready to dig beneath the surface. Many of my clients are navigating major life transitions, identity shifts, or questions about purpose, spirituality, and relationships. I’m especially drawn to working with clients who are high-functioning on the outside but carrying quiet weight on the inside.
Together, we might explore:
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed, withdrawn, or disconnected
Navigating spiritual or existential questions
Working through grief, shame, or self-doubt
Learning to listen and respond more intentionally in relationships
Reconnecting with meaning and inner alignment
My style is warm, grounded, and conversational. I’m here to help you explore YOUR story—and help imagine what comes next.
Supporting Adolescents and Teens
Adolescence can be overwhelming—for both teens and their caregivers. Dennis works with adolescents navigating anxiety, identity formation, social pressure, and big emotional shifts. His calm, grounded presence helps teens feel safe enough to open up, while his systemic lens invites curiosity about the family and cultural dynamics shaping their world. Whether your teen is struggling to express what they're feeling, caught in patterns of conflict, or just needs a neutral space to process life, Dennis offers patient, nonjudgmental support tailored to their pace.
What to Expect in Therapy.
With Dennis, therapy is a collaborative process of discovery. You can expect a mix of deep conversation and practical exploration centered around your goals. He brings a narrative lens to his work—helping clients reexamine the stories they’ve been told and the ones they want to tell. Whether you’re facing internal conflict, grief, relationship struggles, or simply seeking a better understanding of yourself, Dennis creates space for honesty, complexity, and growth.
Session Fee & Sliding Scale
My standard fee is $75 per 50-minute session. As a Graduate Student Intern, I’m committed to making therapy accessible—and I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots based on financial need.
If the full fee feels out of reach, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the office to inquire about sliding scale eligibility. You deserve support, and we’ll do our best to help make that possible.
Get to Know Dennis McGowan
The Person
Before becoming a therapist-in-training, Dennis spent years immersed in writing, literature, and education. He brings a lifelong passion for storytelling and meaning-making into the therapy room—paired with deep respect for the courage it takes to seek support. As a father, husband, and second-career clinician, Dennis understands the challenges of balancing responsibility with personal growth. He’s especially attuned to people who feel pressure to hold everything together, often at the expense of their own emotional well-being.
The Clinician
Dennis is a Graduate Student Therapist pursuing his Master’s in Clinical Counseling at Emporia State University. His work is informed by existential and humanistic approaches—therapy that explores not just symptoms but the deeper "why" behind how we show up in the world. He is particularly interested in working with adolescents, adults, and people in life transitions, and welcomes clients navigating questions about identity, meaning, spirituality, and relational pain.
In the therapy room, Dennis believes in steady engagement and thoughtfulness. Clients often describe him as insightful and grounding: a clinician who brings warmth, depth, and a gentle challenge when needed. He’s not afraid to sit with hard questions and he believes healing often starts with being heard without judgment.