About Hutchinson & Associates Psychology

Dr. Lauren Richerson is an experienced clinical psychologist who co-owns the practice. She spent the first 15 years of her career working to help children and families with issues such as emotional and behavioral disorders, suicidality, and PTSD. Since transitioning to private practice in 2018, Lauren has focused more on adult women, many of whom have a history of complex trauma. Lauren uses evidence-based techniques informed by scientific research in the context of a warm and caring therapeutic relationship. She is an eclectic therapist trained in several specific techniques and models, and her goal is to understand each client's personal struggles and adapt a treatment plan specifically suited to them. Additionally, Lauren provides clinical and forensic assessment services covering a broad range of referral questions.

Dr. Lester Blue is a Missouri and Kansas Licensed Psychologist experienced in treating adults and couples from diverse backgrounds for a variety of emotional, situational, personal growth, and relationship issues. His treatment style is interactive and incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems approaches.

Dr. Arnold Abels received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2001. His professional interests include diversity and multiculturalism, men's issues, crisis intervention, and physical disability. Trained as a generalist, he works with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety and stress, mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, identity development, family and relationship issues, and spirituality. He uses an integrated holistic framework incorporating person-centered, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and insight-oriented approaches. Evening and weekend appointments available.

Dr. LaVerne Berkel is a Missouri Licensed Psychologist working with adults in individual psychotherapy. She incorporates cognitive behavioral and other therapeutic approaches and has a holistic approach that uses the therapeutic relationship to help clients develop strengths and address problems. She is also an Associate Professor in the Counseling Program at UMKC and conducts research exploring minority concerns, religious and spiritual issues, and health.

Dr. Abigail (Abby) Geiger is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the evidence-based assessment and treatment of adults. She completed her doctoral education at Kansas City University and her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the California Department of State Hospitals, where she focused on forensic assessment and treatment of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. She provides individual therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, perfectionism, chronic pain, trauma, dissociative experiences, and suicidality. She is passionate about holistic, culturally responsive care. Evening and weekend appointments available.

Dr. Denise Gulledge is a Missouri Licensed Psychologist specializing in individual psychotherapy with adults. She has over 25 years of experience and is particularly experienced in treating the effects of physical or emotional trauma. She brings special training in women's concerns, growth, and relationships. Denise employs a variety of therapy styles, takes an active role in therapy, and focuses on developing strengths as well as treating problems.

Dr. Marilyn Hutchinson is the founder of Hutchinson & Associates and a retired Missouri Licensed Psychologist. She specializes in women's unique issues, growth, and development, with over 40 years of experience as a university professor, a psychologist at a university mental health center, and in private practice. She has a specialization in trauma recovery and EMDR and has conducted forensic evaluations throughout the United States in civil and criminal matters.

Vincenza Marash earned her Master's in Clinical Social Work from Syracuse University and her PhD in Educational Psychology and Master's in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University. Her therapeutic style is relational, conversational, holistic, and empowerment-oriented, with grounding in contemporary psychodynamic understandings. She incorporates feminist-narrative approaches, mindfulness-based models, and insights from the neurobiology of trauma. Specialty areas include anxiety, trauma, transition, loss, and identity development.

Dr. Lisa Prosser-Dodds has worked as a client-centered therapist for over 20 years. She strives to create a safe and empathetic environment where clients feel truly heard and understood, and values each client's unique experiences and perspectives with thoughtfulness. She provides compassionate support to individuals grappling with personality disorders, mood disorders, and those navigating challenging life circumstances, serving as an experienced guide to help them find clarity and healing. Her education and extensive counseling experience equip her with a unique level of competence, allowing her to approach each client with genuine positive regard. Her ideal client is someone seeking to build a life worth living who is currently struggling to manage aspects of their life that prevent them from achieving their desired outcomes.

William Gates has practiced as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist for approximately 20 years. His original training was in correctional and forensic settings. In 2007 he joined the U.S. Army, treating soldiers experiencing combat-related trauma. He left civilian service in 2021 as a Division Chief at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks — the Department of Defense's only maximum security confinement facility. His approach is trauma-informed, grounded in cognitive behavioral and existential models, and focused on helping clients develop tools to manage psychological symptoms while finding greater purpose.

Laura Dixon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a Master's in Counseling and Guidance from UMKC and has training in CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR. She has completed ABA training and worked with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Laura works with individuals of all ages and backgrounds and does her best work with those who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and people who have been through difficult experiences and wish to heal.

Kiran Azielle holds a Bachelor's degree in early childhood development and a Master's degree in clinical counseling, with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. Her specialties include EMDR, trauma, somatic therapy, anxiety, depression, ADHD, parent-child relationship issues, teen issues, abuse, and assault recovery.

Amaya Ballard-Traylor supports individuals and couples in reconnecting with themselves and each other. Her work centers on helping clients manage high-functioning stress, perfectionism, and relational disconnection. She integrates Solution-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), drawing on Gottman Method principles in work with couples. Amaya creates a warm, collaborative environment where clients can explore, grow, and build lasting change.