Who We Are

Our Team

At Missing Peace, we are a diverse group of therapists with decades of combined experience in helping people from all walks of life. We can help you process the challenges of life and develop the skills to continue living as a happier, healthier you. We can help make it all fit together, to rediscover yourself, and find your missing peace.

Chris Graham, LCSW. Co-Owner and Therapist

Chris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana. Chris's first passion was philosophy, and he holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Evansville.  Chris specializes in trauma focused therapy for adults with ADHD.

After completing the masters program at USI, Chris served as a home-based therapist and a behavior clinician for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.  Chris also has experience doing therapy with incarcerated individuals, batterers, addictions services, and several other unique areas of practice. Chris has over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field, working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, domestic violence, PTSD, and more. Chris utilizes an eclectic array of therapeutic techniques ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to EMDR in session.  Chris is also experienced in couples therapy and counseling, as well as family therapy.

Outside of the office, Chris can be found working on his Bronco, playing Dungeons and Dragons, camping, writing music, and spending time with his wife and two dogs. Contact me directly at: chrisgraham@findmissingpeace.com

Kai Esty, LCSW. Co-Owner and Therapist

Born in a log cabin in the 70s, Kai’s parents were old school hippies and traveling musicians. He inevitably followed a similar path, and over the years has performed with a number of bands playing a variety of music.

He currently resides in Indiana, but has lived in Montana, California, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Texas, and spent 2 years on the island of Sicily; studying classical guitar, language, and culture.

At one time living out of the back of a van, Kai worked a variety of factory and service jobs before “cutting his hair and getting a real job” by serving in the US Air Force, where he was trained as an electronics engineer. A shoulder injury cut his military career short however, and he spent the next 15 years teaching music as he pursued higher education. He holds an undergraduate in psychology, and two master’s degrees from the University of Southern Indiana (MALS, MSW), as well as a Clinical License in Social Work.

Kai has over two decades of experience working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. His early training was in addictions, but soon moved into working with developmentally disabled youth and adults. In private practice, he works with individuals, couples, or families to bring a measure of harmony back into their lives. Kai is a strong advocate of music and cinema therapy and draws from a variety of past experiences and diverse skill sets to tailor himself to the needs of his clients, bringing the best care possible to even the most challenging situations.

Kai has been married for more than 24 years and has two daughters. He enjoys cycling, reading, writing, and of course… playing music. Contact me directly at: kaiesty@findmissingpeace.com

Carina Phillips, LCSW. Therapist

Carina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana. She specializes in trauma-focused therapy for ages 2 and up and works with all genders and identities.

Before moving into private practice, Carina served as a home-based therapist, working with children and families involved with the DCS system. She also has a background working with the YWCA domestic violence/homeless shelter, Optimal Rhythms for students and families touched by autism, and even traveling to Jamaica with a university to provide mental health resources in a variety of capacities.  Carina has extensive experience working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, codependency, domestic violence, PTSD, and more.

Carina enjoys using fun, interactive, and creative techniques in therapy and offers a variety of treatments, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), play therapy, and sand tray. Utilizing age-appropriate and engaging techniques allows children, adults, and families to work through and better understand the various stressors in their lives. Carina is dedicated to helping her clients grow into their best selves, achieve their goals, and develop appreciation and love for themselves while providing a safe, welcoming, and healing space.

Carina passes the time by getting her hands dirty while tending to her many plants, dabbling in photography, singing, listening to music, hiking, and cuddling her fur babies. Contact me directly at: carinaphillips@findmissingpeace.com

Catherine Niemeier, LSW. Therapist

Catherine is a Licensed Social Worker who holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana. Before moving into private practice, Catherine served as a home-based therapist, working with children and families involved with the DCS system.

Catherine specializes in helping individuals identify and process negative thought patterns, engage in practical treatment strategies, and to learn to heal from the impact of difficult challenges. Catherine is EMDR trained for adults and children, which is an evidence-based treatment for processing trauma. Catherine also utilizes CBT and DBT, as well as Play Therapy to engage with clients of all ages. Contact me directly at: catherineniemeier@findmissingpeace.com

Daniel Spurlock, LSW. Therapist

After achieving an undergraduate degree in advertising and public relations, Danny struggled to find meaningful work and set out from his rural Indiana home. He spent a few years in familiar blue collar work, operating a forklift, unloading trucks, and engaging with people at every opportunity. It was through these connections that he discovered social work and quickly recognized a calling to the field. Danny began working as a home-based case manager while attending the University of Southern Indiana to achieve his Masters degree. He began his career as a therapist in that environment, eventually finding a place working with a community mental health center. After some time working with a diverse clientele, he was offered a position working with local schools to provide therapy for students during their school day. Danny was able to find a strong niche in working with teens who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Throughout his career, Danny has been an advocate for teens who feel misunderstood and struggle with the natural challenges we all face in some of our most formative years. Though patient understanding of the fears and hesitation that comes with allowing oneself to be vulnerable, Danny knows the value in moving through a client's healing process at their own pace. Using a variety of models, including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and EMDR, Danny works non-judgmentally with all ethnicities, gender identities, and backgrounds.

When away from work, Danny is an avid gamer and writes extensive reviews and essays about popular and lesser known releases. He also enjoys watching all sports, listening to unique music, and writing stories that seem to never end. He also is the ultimate ringmaster, fighting an eternal struggle to keep the peace between his two cats, Bonnie and Chester. Contact me directly at: danny@findmissingpeace.com

James Ashby, LSW. Therapist

James grew up in northern Indiana and is intimately familiar with the struggles of everyday life and the variety of confusing messages society can use to influence us.

A veteran of eight years, James has served in both the US Navy and the US Army, where he learned people can often do more and survive more than they think they can. James has had a wide range of experiences from traveling the world to being homeless. James then chose to pursue what he had always wanted to do but had been putting off, returning to serving others. James currently holds a Master’s of Social Work, a BA in Psychology, and an AAS in Intelligence Operations.

Prior to private practice, James worked as a behavioral clinician for individuals with various cognitive disabilities and has direct experience related to depression, anxiety, grief, family concerns, military service related issues, and the Black experience. James utilizes a variety of clinical methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral and Cognitive Processing therapies, with special attention to trauma informed care, education, and emotional regulation. James’ main goal and focus is to help people to develop a balanced and purposeful life.

In his free time, James studies martial arts, plays a myriad of games, and enjoys watching many genres of movies and television. James is well traveled and enjoys exploring new cultures. Contact me directly at: james.ashby@findmissingpeace.com

Rachel Nelson, LCSW, Therapist

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Therapist whose passion is working with children and adolescents experiencing maladaptive and disruptive behaviors, situational stressors, and family conflicts. Rachel’s approach to Therapy is guided by a Trauma Focused Model, supported through CBT, DBT, and includes Art and Play Therapy.

Rachel believes that many people have been impacted by trauma, whether directly or indirectly. The severity of which affects each person differently, no matter how small it may seem. It is her goal to allow each client to feel comfortable and to be able to identify and work through these concerns and traumas in a safe and welcoming space.

Rachel is devoted to clients who have experienced abuse and neglect. She specializes in PTSD, depressive and mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety, anger management, and identity confusion. Rachel understands the pervasiveness and the debilitating symptoms that come with these diagnoses and is able to provide a safe space to process and heal.

Your success is my joy! Please contact me if you feel I could assist with your needs and goals. rachel@findmissingpeace.com

Elijah Sowry, LSW, Therapist

He may be Ohio-born and a former West Coast transplant, but if you asked Elijah where he's from he'd tell you the island of misfit toys. Since 2013 he's been meeting other kindred spirits and helping them find their place and identity throughout his journey through the mental health field.

Elijah is a Licensed Social Worker with a Master's degree from the University of Southern Indiana and has been practicing therapy since 2020. He specializes in trauma, addictions, and working with individuals on the spectrum.

Elijah has served a variety of diverse populations: home-based therapy with children and families in the child welfare system, generalist and addiction services in community mental health, corrections and incarcerated populations, as well as private practice. Across all cultures and identities, Elijah strives to meet you where you are, as you are.

Elijah is well-versed in interventions like EMDR, CBT, DBT, domestic violence prevention, and other useful modalities. He also believes in a holistic approach to therapy by learning to live in balance, increasing your ability to accept life on life's terms, and most importantly being able to accept yourself. You will often catch him saying "the only way out is through" and encouraging others to treat conflict and adversity as opportunities to become better versions of themselves.

In his spare time, Elijah is a married man with a blended family consisting of four wonderful bonus kids and a feral toddler. Old soul and geek-at-heart: he enjoys playing guitar, listening to 80's music, engaging in maximalist interior design, and video games.

If you think something's wrong but don't know what it is, if you know what's wrong but don't know what to do, or if you just need someone to lean on during hardship; you're in the right place. Please feel free to contact me at eli@findmissingpeace.com

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