Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Schiferl.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a therapist began when I was a freshman at Kansas State University. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, but I was quickly drawn to my psychology and human development classes. I found myself wanting to use what I was learning to help people, and therapy soon became a clear career path.
K-State gave me the opportunity to get involved in research labs, which is where I became interested in working with people who have PTSD. One of these labs focused on helping survivors of sex trafficking recover from exploitation, and I learned a great deal about how trauma affects the brain. It was fascinating to learn about how the brain is designed to keep people safe during trauma, and how therapy can help the brain “reset” itself.
After K-State, I earned my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Auburn University. Learning to sit in a room with someone who was struggling was quite a shock to the system—but I was fortunate to have a great cohort who made grad school enjoyable.
From Auburn, I moved back to Kansas City, where I bounced around between therapy jobs. In 2022, my wife encouraged me to start a private practice, and Trailhead Counseling Services became a reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Becoming a therapist and starting my practice has had its fair share of challenges! My dad experienced some health issues while I was in grad school, and it was tough being so far from home—my family was still in Kansas, and I was all the way in Alabama. A few months after launching Trailhead Counseling, I fully ruptured my Achilles tendon playing pickleball—which isn’t even a cool injury! My wife had to drive me to work every day, and we joked that it felt like she was dropping me off at school. Since then, my wife and I have welcomed two little boys into our family. They’re so much fun—but seem absolutely determined to keep us from getting a good night’s sleep!
We’ve been impressed with Trailhead Counseling Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Trailhead Counseling Services is a therapy practice based in Overland Park. We specialize in working with men who are struggling with mental health challenges and life’s difficulties. Our therapists have advanced training in treating PTSD, addiction, OCD, and anxiety disorders.
We’re especially proud to focus on helping men. So many guys are struggling silently, and it’s incredibly rewarding when a man has the courage to reach out and begin the hard work of healing. Our goal is for every client to feel safe sharing anything with us—knowing they’ll be met with compassion and understanding.
We also love offering EMDR and ART to our clients. These are two advanced therapies for treating PTSD, and it’s amazing how quickly clients can begin noticing a reduction in symptoms—sometimes in just a few sessions.
Walk and Talk therapy is another option for clients who want to step out of the office and spend time in nature during their session. Since we’re located in Corporate Woods, we have access to miles of beautiful trails. After all, a practice called Trailhead Counseling needs a place for clients to get outside!
Some of the populations we work with include first responders, men struggling with addiction (especially pornography or sex addiction), men with OCD, and those experiencing high levels of shame.
One of our core values is making therapy affordable and accessible, which is why we accept several types of insurance. Mental health care shouldn’t be something you miss out on because of finances.
Our clinicians are Christians and feel comfortable incorporating faith into therapy if that’s something a client desires. If not, that’s perfectly okay—we still want men to reach out and begin their healing journey.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a pretty quiet kid. I’ve always preferred listening and taking in information rather than being the one speaking—which, I guess, turned out to be a good skill for a therapist to have. I’d say I was a fairly sensitive kid, too. Looking back, I can see that I felt emotions more deeply than a lot of my peers. That came with its fair share of challenges, but now I think it helps me connect with other guys who feel things deeply as well.
Something I distinctly remember from childhood is having a longing for adventure. Growing up in western Kansas didn’t offer many opportunities for that, but I think I’ve been able to fulfill it as an adult. I’ve spent two summers overseas on international mission trips and developed loves for rock climbing and backpacking. I once wanted to do a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, but my wife shut that down as soon as she learned I’d be away from home for five months! I think that was fair, though.
Forming Trailhead Counseling has also felt like an adventure. I honestly didn’t know if it was going to sink or swim, so I feel blessed that the practice is thriving. I recently hired my first associate (shoutout to Casey Gum) and plan to add more clinicians soon.
As a therapist, you never know what you’re going to hear on any given day. Some stories feel ordinary, some extraordinary, and some absolutely heartbreaking—but they’re all important. I always tell people that I don’t know what I’d do if I weren’t a therapist, and the variety of each day makes this job feel like an adventure, too.
Pricing:
- Our current rate is $150 per session, which is fairly typical for the Kansas City area. Therapy can be much more affordable for clients who have insurance coverage. We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna.
Contact Info:
