Meet Selena Buckner (she/her), Therapist in Kansas City, MO
Calm | Creative | Curious
Therapy Doesn't Have to Start with the Right Words
Sometimes the hardest part of therapy isn't showing up, it's trying to explain what's going on when you don't even have the words for it yourself.
Maybe you've always been the one who keeps everything together. Maybe you're navigating a major life transition, questioning who you are, feeling disconnected from yourself, or carrying emotions that feel too complicated to explain. Whether you're an older teen, a college student, or a young adult finding your footing, therapy can be a place to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with yourself.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing doesn't have to look the same for everyone. While I offer traditional talk therapy, I'm also a trained art therapist, which means we'll have more than one way to explore what's on your mind. You don't need to be artistic, or even enjoy making art, to benefit. Together, we'll find an approach that feels natural, authentic, and supportive of the way you process the world.
I see clients in person and online!
How I Found My Way to Therapy
Helping people has always felt like a natural fit for me. I originally started college planning to become a nurse because I knew I wanted a career where I could support others through life's challenges. Along the way, I discovered art therapy almost by accident through a career assessment, and something immediately clicked.
I've always been a creative person. As a kid, I rarely went anywhere without a sketchbook, and creativity has remained a constant throughout my life. Whether I'm working with clay on my pottery wheel, trying a new art medium, or finding inspiration outdoors, creating has always been one of the ways I make sense of the world and myself.
Art therapy brought together everything that mattered to me: helping others, understanding how people think and grow, and creative self-expression. It felt like a profession that honored both the analytical and artistic parts of who I am.
That path eventually led me to earn dual master's degrees in Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Emporia State University. Today, I have the privilege of combining evidence-based counseling with creative approaches that help clients explore, heal, and grow in ways that feel authentic to them.
What It's Like to Work With Me
I believe therapy works best when you feel accepted exactly as you are. You don't have to have everything figured out before you walk through the door, and you don't have to know exactly what to say. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck, or simply curious about yourself, we'll begin with where you are, not where you think you "should" be.
Clients often describe me as calm, genuine, and easy to talk to. My goal isn't to tell you who to be or what decisions to make. Instead, I want to understand your experiences, help you recognize your strengths, and support you as you move toward the life you want to create. Some sessions may involve thoughtful conversation. Others may involve creative expression, quiet reflection, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down for the first time in a long while.
I know that healing isn't always linear, and I don't expect perfection from my clients. If today is a day where you're bringing 100%, we'll work with that. If today is a day where all you have is 20%, we'll work with that too. Therapy isn't about performing or getting everything "right." It's about showing up honestly and allowing yourself the opportunity to grow.
Why Art Therapy Can Reach Places Words Sometimes Can't
One of the biggest misconceptions about art therapy is that you have to be "good at art." The truth is, art therapy isn't about creating something beautiful, it's about finding meaning through the process of creating. Sometimes emotions are difficult to explain. Sometimes there simply aren't words for what you've experienced. Art can provide another way to explore those experiences without the pressure of having the perfect explanation.
During an art therapy session, the focus isn't on the finished product. It's on what happens as you create. You might notice thoughts, emotions, memories, or physical sensations that haven't surfaced before. You may discover new ways of coping, build confidence by learning something unfamiliar, or simply experience the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.
For many people, art also offers a welcome break from feeling like they have to be "on" all the time. Instead of sitting across from someone wondering what to say next, we might find ourselves creating alongside one another, allowing conversation to unfold naturally or not at all. Some sessions may include lots of talking while others may include very little; both can be deeply meaningful.
Whether we use paint, clay, collage, drawing materials, or simple conversation, my goal is always the same: to help you better understand yourself and create space for healing in whatever way feels most natural to you.
Who I Enjoy Working With
While I welcome clients from a variety of backgrounds, I especially enjoy working with older teens, college students, and young adults who are navigating one of life's biggest periods of growth and change.
These years often come with questions that don't have easy answers. You may be figuring out who you are apart from your family, adjusting to college or a new career, navigating relationships, managing anxiety, recovering from difficult experiences, or simply trying to understand yourself in a new way. It's exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.
I'm particularly passionate about supporting young people as they begin to untangle old patterns and build healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. The work we do during this stage of life can have a lasting impact, creating a foundation for healthier relationships, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of self for years to come.
As a biracial woman, I also have a special interest in working with Black, Brown, and biracial clients who are exploring identity, belonging, and the unique experiences that can come with living between cultures. While every person's story is different, I understand that identity can shape the way we move through the world, and I strive to create a space where every part of who you are is welcome.
You Don't Have to Be Creative to Benefit from Art Therapy
One of the first things many people tell me is, "I'm not artistic."
That's okay.
Art therapy isn't about talent, technique, or creating something worthy of hanging on a wall. It's about giving yourself another way to express experiences that can be difficult to explain with words alone.
Some clients discover they love incorporating creative materials into therapy. Others find that they prefer traditional conversation and only occasionally use art as a tool. There isn't a "right" way to do therapy, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.
My role is to meet you where you are and work together to find the approach that feels most helpful for you.
A Little More About Me
When I'm not in the therapy office, you'll usually find me creating something. Pottery has become one of my favorite creative outlets, but I also enjoy drawing, embroidery, sewing, and experimenting with new artistic mediums whenever inspiration strikes.
I also love spending time outdoors. Growing up on a small farm in Kansas fostered an appreciation for nature that has stayed with me throughout my life. Whether it's a beach, watching the stars away from city lights, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon outside, I find that nature has a way of helping me slow down and reconnect.
At home, life is shared with my husband and our two dogs: one tiny, fearless, and endlessly energetic, and one giant, lovable, and convinced he's a lap dog. They keep life interesting and remind me daily that every personality has its own unique strengths.
I'm also endlessly curious about people and what shapes our lives. Whether I'm watching a documentary, learning a new creative skill, or having a meaningful conversation, I enjoy exploring the many ways people make sense of themselves and the world around them. That same curiosity is something I bring into every therapy session.
Ready to Get Started?
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you're not sure what to expect or you're worried you won't know what to say. The good news is, you don't have to have everything figured out before you begin.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, life transitions, identity, relationships, grief, or simply feeling stuck, therapy offers a space to slow down, better understand yourself, and move toward the life you want to build. If traditional talk therapy has felt overwhelming, or if you're simply curious about a more creative approach, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
If you think we might be a good fit, I'd love to meet you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and together we'll explore what the next step in your journey could look like.
Investment:
Individual & Couples Sessions: $125 per session
Sliding Scale: I believe therapy should be accessible. I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots for those experiencing financial hardship. Please reach out to our Office Manager to see if a reduced-fee spot is currently available.