Cori Cardinale

Life brings moments of joy and cause for celebration as well as trials and tribulations. Challenges can sometimes seem insurmountable. I am passionate about assisting individuals overcoming and/or coping with their unique challenging experiences. I adhere to the philosophy that everyone has a healing intelligence within. I work with individuals to uncover the answers that are already contained in themselves. By practicing unconditional positive regard, I create safe and inviting space for inspiring change. I offer non-judgmental care to assist others in becoming a healthier form of who the individual already is. Reaching out and asking for help requires courage and strength. Shining a light on the dark spaces within can be daunting. My goal is to create space and offer encouragement for this process to unfold through a therapeutic alliance built on trust. Creating a safe space and trusting relationship offers a comfortable atmosphere inspiring change for individuals to initiate their healing journey. People are not their mistakes, failures or problems. Our experiences often influence our personal development. How each person interprets their experiences can shape who that individual is. I assist people in finding the strength inside themselves to jump over life's hurdles, using life challenges as a tool to build themselves up. I encourage self-growth by outlining, defining and understanding values as well as setting attainable goals that are meaningful to the individual. I assist those who have been affected by painful situation to discover the silver lining of those challenges, not allowing circumstances to hinder or paralyze personal growth. My experience consists of assisting many difficult populations reach higher levels of independence and self-growth. These populations include individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities, people in the prison system, children in foster care and individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Working with a difficult population has given me the confidence to fulfill my dream of being an independent therapist, working with a reputable team. As an undergraduate I double majored in Psychology and Sociology at Newman University in 1998. From there I went to Emporia State University and earned a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2000. I started a business providing support for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. I ran this company for 10 years and then sold for a profit to Rescare of Kansas in 2011. At this point I knew I wanted to be in the helping field. I am most satisfied when I can support someone in meeting their goals. I began to dream of being a therapist. Soon after I started working on my second master’s degree at Newman University graduating in the spring of 2014 with a master’s in social work. I am currently a Licensed Master Social Work. I will be taking the licensing exam to become a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker at the beginning of 2024. My most recent training involves becoming certified as a Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Provider. To be a professional in this field is rewarding as well as a great honor. Assisting others on their healing journey brings a sense of purpose and meaning to my own.