a fire in a firepit with chairs

A Space for Healing, Growth, and Meaningful Change.

Welcome to Fireside Counseling:

Facing the Courage to Heal

A therapist talking with a client in office in Fireside Lawrence Kansas

At Fireside Counseling, I understand that seeking therapy takes courage—it’s a step toward facing life’s challenges with intention and resilience. Just like conversations around a fireside, therapy is a place for honest reflection, connection, and growth. Together, we’ll untangle what’s weighing you down, uncover your strengths, and find a way forward that aligns with who you truly are.

Lawrence Therapist Justin Modrell with Fireside Counseling In Lawrence Kansas

ABout me

In 2013, my wife, Jessica, and I moved from Portland, Oregon, to Lawrence, building a home for our growing family. Life is full of energy with our boys, our daughter, and our spirited German Shepherd, Lucy—there’s rarely a quiet moment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Outside of work, I find joy in spending quality time with family, savoring a great cup of coffee, and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. I also enjoy running and cycling, always striving for a well-rounded and intentional approach to life—even if it’s still a work in progress.

Services

A woman sitting on a couch during a counseling appointment at Fireside Counseling in Lawrence, Kansas

Anxiety Therapy 

Do you feel constantly keyed up, tense, and unable to relax?

Is your mind always racing, making it hard to focus or enjoy the present moment?

Does it feel like no matter how many self-help books you read or TikTok “experts” you follow, you just can’t stop the worry and negative spirals?

Living on high alert, expecting the worst, and struggling to quiet your mind is exhausting. Maybe you’ve turned to certain behaviors, food, or substances just to get a break from the overwhelm—only to find the anxiety returns even stronger.

Trying to manage anxiety while still living your life can feel impossible. But you don’t have to let anxious thoughts control you. There is another way forward—one where you learn to respond differently to your thoughts, build resilience, and create a life that aligns with what truly matters to you.

A group of individuals sitting around a table talking at Fireside Lawrence in Lawrence Ks

Depression Therapy

HAS LIFE LOST ITS SENSE OF JOY AND MEANING?

  • Do you struggle to find pleasure in the activities you once enjoyed?

  • Does depression make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming?

  • Do you carry a persistent sense of sadness or emptiness, no matter what you do?

Living with depression can feel like carrying a heavy weight that dulls your motivation, energy, and overall sense of purpose. You may have tried reading self-help books, following online advice, or just pushing through, yet the hopelessness lingers.

Maybe a specific loss, major life change, or painful experience has left you struggling to navigate your emotions. Or perhaps this feeling has been with you for so long that it’s become your new normal—a quiet resignation to the idea that this is just how life is.

It doesn’t have to stay this way. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Together, we can work toward rediscovering what truly matters to you, building resilience, and creating a life that feels meaningful again.

A marriage counseling session at Fireside Counseling in Lawrence Kansas

Marriage Therapy

ARE YOU QUESTIONING YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

  • Do you feel disconnected from your partner?

  • Are the same arguments repeating, without resolution or compromise?

  • Is broken trust or poor communication taking a toll on your marriage?

If you find yourself saying yes to any of these, you’re not alone. Relationship struggles can feel overwhelming, leaving you drained and unsure of what to do next. The weight of unspoken frustrations, unresolved conflicts, or growing distance can make it seem like there’s no way forward.

But conflict doesn’t have to mean the end. All couples face challenges, and when addressed with intention and the right support, healing and connection are possible. The first step is acknowledging what’s not working—from there, we can start rebuilding trust, improving communication, and strengthening the foundation of your relationship.

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