About Refresh Wellness & Counseling

For well over a decade, Ivy Pellerito, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP, owner of Refresh Wellness & Counseling, has been working with individuals to help create long-term change, healing and transformation, instead of temporary band-aids, by building a relationship that provides safety and acceptance, and ultimately promotes change.

Refresh Wellness & Counseling was created to utilize more than one approach to change. As a licensed counselor, Ivy recognized that talk therapy was not always the most effective tool to facilitate change. It is now known that trauma and emotions are stored in the body and energy field if not processed and released. This realization and knowledge led Ivy into learning and utilizing Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine/Healing modalities as stand-alone modalities or in collaboration with counseling.

As a seasoned therapist in both MO and KS, I personalize each session according to each client's individual needs. This includes traditional "talk therapy", as well as EMDR and EFT/Tapping to help work through issues of Addiction, Anxiety, Self Esteem, Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Grief, Depression and Relationships, as well as most other concerns. I am certified as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

As a practioner of energy medicine, I am certified in The Emotion Code and a Reiki Master. These session are scheduled independently from the counseling sessions. I enjoy teaching Reiki classes to those wanting to learn this incredible method of self-care and share the love with others.

Whichever tool we determine most beneficial for change, I am incredibly passionate about stepping into people’s lives who are looking to discover their worth and make positive changes in their lives. I often find that most of us don't know value our or voice, so I've made it my life's purpose to help them find their true identity and genuine happiness in the midst of life's journey.

Ivy Pellerito, MA, LPC, LCPC, NCC, CCTP

816.427.1828

Ivy@refreshwellnessandcounseling.com

I consider the therapeutic relationship as one of the most important processes to your healing journey. Whether you’re feeling too overwhelmed with life, struggling to overcome past experiences, feeling depleted self-esteem, or experiencing relational issues, I am here to help you overcome these challenges to create a more positive life. I work with a diverse clientele of children, adolescents, and young adults facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and interpersonal problems. 

I'm currently completing my internship in the Master's program at Avila University, where I gain hands-on experience in providing compassionate, evidence-based therapies under licensed supervision. This experience allows me to offer fresh perspectives and flexible approaches to support your journey toward growth and change.

I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel safe in exploring your emotions and thoughts. Making a difference in my client’s lives and leaving a positive everlasting impact is something that I am especially passionate about.


I am most passionate about working with adults ages 18 to 75 who have experienced childhood trauma, suffered from domestic violence and individuals who struggle with debilitating anxiety and depression.

I work with clients who often feel overburdened with daily life challenges which makes it hard for them to navigate their lives. I help my clients learn to feel calmer and more in control of their lives by reducing anxiety and managing their depression. I help my clients heal from past traumas and reduce trauma triggers which improves their overall quality of life.

My modalities of choice include EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT, mindfulness techniques and client-centered therapy.

I knew I wanted to be a therapist after taking my first Psychology class in high school. I spent many years reading, studying and navigating my own life with the help of a therapist. After realizing the healing power of therapy I went back to school and decided to truly pursue my passion. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from UMKC graduating with honors in May of 2015. Immediately following, I began my master’s program in Mental Health and graduated July of 2019.

My name is Katlin Huskey. I am currently a Counseling in Training, moving towards a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC). I graduated December of 2022 with my masters in Counseling Psychology from Avila University. I am new with Refresh Wellness and Counseling, I am currently being directly supervised by Ivy Pellerito, MA, LPC, LCPC, NCC. My goal and passion is to help you make the changes you would like to make, to help you learn more about yourself, and to strengthen your relationships so you can know yourself as whole and safe and can experience a positive quality of life. I look forward to working together and to help you grow in a safe, comfortable, and calming space that is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the health and well-being of individuals.

Sophia Palmerin, MA, PLPC
816.945.2847

Sophia@refreshwellnessandcounseling.com

My name is Sophia Palmerin. I finished my Masters Degree July 22’ at UMKC and am currently working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I work with ages 13 to 65 who have a history of trauma and are ready to try a new approach to healing. I take an eclectic approach that incorporates techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, IFS, and somatic experiencing.

I am a full believer that trauma can not only impact our mind and the way we view the world, but can impact our bodies physical functions, including the nervous system. In session you will not only explore the process of the mind but become more in-tuned with your bodily cues, allowing the body to do the talking, instead of following a pattern of rationalizing your pain. It is incredibly important to me that you feel you are in a safe and trusting environment that empowers you to be honest and vulnerable. This safety and trust will allow you to explore a wide range of emotions that ultimately lead to acceptance and healing.


Elisabeth ‘Lis’ Klemme, MS, CIT
407.900.3606

Lis@refreshwellnessandcounseling.com

The world we live in can be hard to navigate under any circumstances. When you add in struggling with depression, anxiety, mental illness, adverse life experiences, or some combination of these, life can feel unbearable. My goal as a professional is to help my clients find balance and joy in their healing process, and walk through that process with them.

Currently I am a masters level counseling intern, working towards graduation and licensure at Refresh Wellness and Counseling. I love working with individuals ages 6 and up.

In therapy, each person’s process is unique. Therefore my job is to individualize treatment in order to help advance your healing journey.

Tarissa Helms, Counseling Intern
816.388.0548

tarissa@refreshwellnessandcounseling.com

Sometimes life presents challenges that we don’t feel equipped to face alone. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where to turn next, I would love to meet you right where you’re at, to give you a place to share your story, and to partner with you in figuring out a plan to start moving forward again.

I am a master’s level counseling intern with a heart for helping others achieve healing and wholeness in their lives. No matter what issue you choose to bring to therapy, I will strive to create a safe and supportive space for you to process and express emotions, heal old wounds, and grow in greater understanding of yourself and others. I use a person-centered approach to therapy which means that I place a high priority on the values of authenticity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. When we work together, I will listen without judgment, treat you with kindness and respect, and seek to understand the way that you see and experience the world. Based on your specific needs, I may also incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, EMDR or other evidence-based approaches to help you achieve your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible.

I’m looking forward to working with you!

About Refresh

Learn more about our many services and allow us to assist in your journey of transformation. 

Services Provided:

Individual Counseling - Virtually or In-person

Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health.


EMDR Counseling - Virtually or In-person

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. It is an entire therapy model that has been proven to be highly effective for those who have experienced trauma. 


Group Counseling - Virtually or In-person

Group counseling is a form of counseling where a small group of people meet regularly to discuss, interact, and explore common problems with each other and the group leader. Group counseling seeks to give clients a safe and comfortable place where they can work out problems and emotional concerns.