The new therapist at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care knew she wanted to work with children. But instead of pursuing an elementary-school teaching path, she veered into sociology.

Lanie Trendel is now seeing clients of all ages primarily at the Stafford clinic and will travel regularly to other sites.

“Somewhere along the line, I realized I wanted to focus on the social/emotional aspects of children’s lives,” Trendel recalled. “I have worked in child welfare for almost 20 years and have a lot of experience with children and families.

“Working in this field, you encounter the gamut of mental-health and social-work issues,” she added. “This includes domestic violence, substance use, legal problems, social injustice, poverty and divorce, along with child abuse, neglect and trauma.”

When facing these issues, some people are apprehensive about seeking guidance from a therapist, said Trendel, a licensed professional counselor.

“Nevertheless, I would encourage you to make that first appointment and see how you feel about it,” she advised. “Then try the second meeting where you and your therapist get to know one another better.

“By the third session, you will probably know if it is a good match. Feeling comfortable with your therapist will improve the outcomes significantly.”

Trendel wants to work at Heart of Kansas for a couple of reasons.

“First, I love what Heart of Kansas stands for; it ensures everybody has access to care. We offer integrated care, which is important because everything interconnects.

“Medical issues affect our mental health and vice versa. Even dental concerns can contribute to medical and mental health. Medical services keep us alive and active, while mental health helps us make life worth living.”

The other reason Trendel was attracted to Heart of Kansas is she has worked professionally with Carie Brown, director of behavioral health and director of operations. “Carie provided therapy to some of the kiddos I worked with in previous employment. I appreciate all she did to support them.”

Trendel earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a concentration in criminal justice and family and social services, in 2004; she received her master’s in mental health counseling, with coursework in addictions counseling, in 2006. Both degrees are from Emporia State University.

The therapist has been trained in Child First Forensic Interviewing and has experience working with victims of sexual-abuse trauma. Other ongoing training involves trauma, domestic violence, identifying abuse, human trafficking and parenting.

Previous employers include the Kansas Department for Children and Families; Saint Francis Community Services; and TFI Family Services.

She and her husband have four children.

Brett Middleton, Heart of Kansas chief executive officer, said “our patients are so fortunate to have Lanie as a therapist and advocate. She has a wealth of knowledge in so many areas, which enhances our behavioral-health team. Lanie and her professional colleagues are here for anyone struggling with a mental-health concern.”

Heart of Kansas Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.