200 North 9th Street Columbia, Mo. 65201
About Lynne Harris
I was born and raised in Holts Summit, Missouri. I came from a rural background in which family, faith, and friends were the priority. I was brought up with the belief system that your word is your bond, if you are going to do a job… do it right, be a straight shooter, common sense will go a long way, and if you fall get up and try again.
I graduated from Jefferson City Senior High School and attended the University of Missouri, where I received a degree in Social Work, as well as my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
I began working in the field of child abuse and neglect where I developed an expertise in the investigation and treatment of child abuse. I also provided consultation to the Missouri Children’s Division for over 25 years as a behavioral consultant, working with foster and adoptive families who had children with severe behavioral problems.
I conducted approximately 3000 forensic interviews of children for law enforcement throughout Mid Missouri as part of their investigations involving possible crimes against children and/or children who have witnessed homicides or other violent crimes. That experience evolved into an expertise of assessing abuse allegations in the context of high conflict divorce.
Currently my focus is on cases involving divorce/custody issues and guardianship. I provide therapy to adults and children going through the changes that separation and divorce can cause in their lives. I provide Co-Parenting Counseling for parents who are no longer together as a couple, but need to remain cooperative and supportive in their parenting roles. I also assist parents in developing parenting plans that take into account their child’s developmental needs, as well as the particular personality traits of their child/children.
The best plans for children are made by their parents who know them better than anyone else, versus a long drawn out court battle in which a judge decides what will happen to their children. No one comes out better after a protracted court process, and when the co-parenting relationship worsens, the children feel the impact.
Since 2012, I have been a court approved mediator for the 13th judicial circuit and get court ordered referrals as well as voluntary clients who want to try to resolve conflicts or disagreements with the help of a mediator, rather than through a more adversarial process.
I conduct Comprehensive Case Review and Consultation in complex cases in which there have been allegations of abuse to a child or children within the context of high conflict between the parents, or other serious allegations.
I have been called to court as an expert witness in numerous cases and understand the inner workings of the judicial system, both in the criminal arena, as well as family law and divorce proceedings.
I am also a parent…which in the scheme of things is the hardest but most important job of all. Parenting has taught me valuable lessons about love, patience, responsibility, discipline, and the need to balance our children’s needs with our own.
My goal is to be someone who can help guide or support people in their “own journey.” That journey may be to discover new insights into one’s life, a change in perception or perspective, or even changes in behavior. I believe that each person truly holds their own answers, and often just need a quiet place to turn inward… and a person willing to listen, reflect, encourage, challenge, and at times push.
I am in a phase of life in which I can bring a great deal of life experiences which can further this endeavor. I am willing…if you are…