Hi! My name is Kara Forck, and I am a counseling intern pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Sciences at Evangel University in Springfield, MO.  I moved to Springfield to pursue my undergraduate degree nearly 10 years ago. Since graduating, I’ve worked with a campus ministry investing in young adults and leading the missions program. My path to counseling has been shaped by years of walking alongside others and going on my own personal journey of healing. Through that work, I witnessed both the beauty and the challenges of caring for others. I have come to understand the emotional weight that helping professionals, ministry leaders, and caregivers often carry. 

My hope is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, accepted, and are able to find your voice. Whether you're feeling emotionally exhausted, wrestling with difficult life transitions, processing grief, or simply longing to understand yourself more deeply, I would be honored to walk alongside you. 

I have a special passion for working with helping professionals, ministry leaders, and individuals navigating religious hurt, spiritual trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges. As I continue my clinical training, I am especially interested in working with couples and integrating sand tray therapy into my practice.

Outside the office, my husband and I are grateful to be back in central Missouri, where we're helping on his family's farm. I'm also a bit of a serial hobbyist! I love quilting, floral design, cycling, swimming, reading, and spending time outdoors. Oh, and every fall, you'll probably find me obsessing over my fantasy football team! I believe there's value in trying new things—even if you're not an expert—because growth often begins with the willingness to start.I have lived in Kansas City, Missouri, and still have a love for a big city. Our hometown is Marshall, Missouri, and that is where we chose to raise our family. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling as much as I can, learning new things, challenging myself, and taking time for relaxation. I am a nature lover, grew up on a farm, and am an animal lover. I currently have 5 cats and 1 horse. I also spend time being involved in my community through the Mental Health Board of Saline County and our local Marshall Homeless Shelter and Services efforts.