Do you think you should be over your past experiences because others would be? 

You might overreact to situations but no amount of “positive thinking” seems to stop it, or you feel like your thoughts and feelings get out of control sometimes.  Anxiety might have a grip on you, or it could be difficult to focus on the things that matter most to you.  Are your relationships and your ability to be present with loved ones effected? Maybe you’ve built a great life but don’t feel like yourself anymore?

I help others heal from bad experiences so you can decrease anxiety, feel more like yourself again, and live a happier and healthier life.  I often use a type of therapy called EMDR to help people get results more quickly and naturally. 

My mission is to create a warm, confidential, supportive environment where you can express yourself without being judged.  I’m here to hear your story, help you sort through your troubling life experiences, and provide you with life tools to make lasting changes.

Michelle Anspaugh, LCMFT, LPC

One of the best things that can come from bad experiences is wisdom.  Wisdom born of pain gives us insight and understanding - not only into our own lives, but into the lives of others.  How much have you gained from your bad experiences?  I’ve gone through my own struggles, have “worked through my stuff”, and have more peace in my life.  After therapy, clients often express that they have more control over their reactions, thoughts, and feelings. they feel stronger, wiser, and more confident. They can be much more present to what is happening now in their lives, instead of thinking about the past or worrying about the future.  They have more clarity and are able to make better decisions.  I have the deep privilege of watching this happen every day with clients! 

I want you to feel comfortable with me from the first moment we meet.  I have 21 years of experience, am a Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapist, and have a wealth of training in many other areas, including: Brainspotting, TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and Family Systems. 

My Master’s Degree is in Family Therapy from Friends University, with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Baker University.  My previous work sites include residential centers, church, and community mental health agencies, as well as private practice. 

Promoting the education, development, and networking of mental health professionals in the Kansas City area is important to me. As a result, I co-own a company, Gray Matters Therapy Workshops, that sponsors trauma trainings for mental health professionals in the Kansas City area and online. I’ve previously served in a volunteer leadership position as the Coordinator of the Heartland Kansas Trauma Recovery Network and currently serve as a Steering Committee Member of EMDRGKC.

I’m also a wife and mom of two young adults. My hobbies include reading, pilates (beginner level, for sure!), spending time with family and friends, and live music. And a lake view with green trees is one of my favorite views on this planet!