Anna Stelmach

LSCSW, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Kansas and Missouri. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and then went on to obtain my Masters in Social Work at Boston University.

I have been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing; an effective approach to address issues around trauma). As well, I am actively working towards completing my training in Body-Centered Gestalt Therapy.

As our identities are the core of our being, I am invested in creating an inclusive and affirming space for those with whom I work. Although I am a white, cis woman (pronouns are she/her/hers), I strive to make my office welcoming to folks of all gender/gender expression, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, and immigration/citizenship status.

I believe everyone is the expert in one’s own life. My intent, as a therapist, is to offer connection, support, and a safe environment. I collaborate with my clients to explore their experience and deepen their awareness in order to develop their ability to be an expert in their own lives.

While my approach is flexible and readily adapts to one’s needs, I find that addressing underlying root causes to current presenting problems is vitally important. In doing so, we are able to acknowledge how survival mechanisms, once useful in childhood, may not be as beneficial as adults; furthermore, while we explore family history and potential generational trauma, we are able to break maladaptive patterns to make life more worth living.

While symptoms of trauma can be pervasive, whether caused by a single incident (such as a car accident, natural disaster, etc.), chronic (such as racism, poverty, childhood abuse, etc.), or even less tangible (such as religious trauma, developmental trauma and breaks in attachment, etc.), I do believe that, with increased support and connection, we are able to work towards integrating the mind, the body, and the soul, and ultimately, wholeness.