Meet John Opalka, Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC)

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Focused Counseling Services in Springfield, MO. For over 19 years, I’ve helped teens, young adults, and families navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, adjustment struggles, and family or relationship issues.

I hold a BS in Psychology and an MA in Counseling and have experience working in schools, group homes, churches, and summer camps. I also provide mental health consultations for schools and companies to support students and employees.

I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but incorporate a variety of approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. My goal is to make counseling both comfortable and challenging, helping clients explore new perspectives in a safe, supportive environment.

Specialties

• Teen & Young Adult Counseling

• Anxiety & Depression disorders

• Adjustment & Life Transitions

• Family & Relationship Challenges

• Individualized, client-centered therapy

My Journey

I discovered my calling to become a therapist in my senior year of high school. Sitting at my desk, I realized my years of helping peers had prepared me to support others professionally. This experience fueled my passion for working with teens and young adults, a stage of life I know can be confusing and overwhelming.

I grew up on the East Coast near New York City and have lived in Springfield, MO, twice—first for college, then to complete my education—before making it my permanent home. Over the years, I’ve worked with young people in a variety of settings, including schools, group homes, and churches, and I continue to bring that experience to every client I work with.

Why Choose Me: I create a welcoming, safe space where clients can feel supported while exploring new ways to approach challenges. I’m committed to helping each person discover practical tools and fresh perspectives to thrive in their daily life.

Some things to know about me…

• I have a Masters of Arts in Counseling and am licensed in the state of Missouri.

• You pronounce my last name O-Pal-Ka (Opalka)

• My favorite food is Italian or gourmet cheese burgers

• I am a car enthusiast.

• I enjoy driving, as much as when I first got my license.

• I enjoy road trips and have many destinations left on my list.

• My dream vacation would be to Australia, something about that place seems interesting.

• I did counseling as a teenager and hated it, when i became a counselor I told myself I was going to do it different. I’ve also done counseling since I’ve become a counselor, need to practice what I preach and know how it feels to sit on the other side of the couch.

• I have quite the eclectic taste in music, so much so friends have given me weird looks when a playlist plays through in the car.

• I enjoy plants, thought about giving plants to clients as part of the counseling process. (If you would like a plant as part of your therapy journey, let me know)