Meet Peyton Ankrum, Graduate Student Therapist in Kansas City, MO
Compassionate | Resilient | Integrus
Meet Peyton Ankrum, Graduate Student Therapist
Peyton Ankrum is a Graduate Student Therapist at The Liz Davis Therapy Group, currently completing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Peyton’s path to therapy has been shaped by a deep curiosity about how individuals make meaning, how relationships evolve, and how beliefs and narratives shape how we live. Originally drawn to psychology through early interests in science and human behavior, Peyton came to see therapeutic work as a way to meet people with both rigor and compassion, helping them explore patterns while honoring their unique stories.
Peyton values thoughtful collaboration and reflection in the therapeutic process, believing that meaningful change comes when clients feel genuinely understood and empowered to explore new perspectives. She strives to create a space where curiosity and compassion coexist, and where clients can grow at their own pace, grounded in increased self-awareness and relational insight.
I see clients in person and online!
Peyton’s Approach to Therapy
Peyton approaches therapy through a relational and systems-oriented lens, recognizing that people do not exist in isolation. She believes our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are shaped by the contexts we live in: our families, cultures, relationships, and personal histories. Peyton integrates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and narrative work, helping clients examine the stories they carry and explore how shifts in perspective can create meaningful change.
Her approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. Rather than offering quick fixes or surface-level solutions, Peyton works with clients to understand the “problem sequence” behind a challenge and identify intentional shifts that move toward healthier patterns.
Peyton’s approach to therapy is characterized by:
A systems-focused perspective that considers context and relationships
Cognitive reframing to help clients shift unhelpful thought patterns
Narrative exploration of identity, beliefs, and personal meaning
Collaborative goal-setting and reflective dialogue
Compassion-centered work that balances accountability with empathy
A belief that small perspective shifts can create lasting change
Peyton’s Areas of Focus
Peyton’s areas of focus center on relationships, identity, and the narratives that shape how people understand themselves and others. She is particularly interested in how context (family systems, culture, belief structures, and even technology) impacts emotional experiences and relational dynamics. Her work invites clients to examine patterns with curiosity and compassion, creating space for insight and intentional change.
Peyton’s areas of focus include:
Sexuality, intimacy, and relational exploration
Relationship dynamics and communication patterns
Cognitive reframing and shifting unhelpful thought patterns
Narrative identity and belief systems
Life transitions and evolving self-concept
Family-of-origin influences and systemic patterns
Technology’s impact on relationships, including parasocial or digital dynamics
Who Peyton Works Best With
Peyton works best with individuals who are curious about themselves and open to exploring the deeper patterns shaping their relationships, identities, and beliefs. She is especially drawn to clients who value thoughtful conversation, reflective insight, and a collaborative approach to growth. Peyton creates space for complexity and nuance, helping clients untangle internal narratives and relational dynamics in a way that feels grounded and empowering.
Peyton may be a strong fit for individuals who are:
Navigating relationship or communication challenges
Exploring questions around sexuality, intimacy, or identity
Interested in understanding how their beliefs and thought patterns impact their emotions and behaviors
Experiencing life transitions or shifts in self-concept
Curious about how technology, social media, or digital relationships are influencing their lives
Seeking a therapist who is compassionate, reflective, and open-minded
Outside the Therapy Room
Outside of the therapy room, Peyton is curious, adventurous, and deeply creative. Originally from Denver, she grew up with a love for the outdoors and still prioritizes being outside whenever she can. Whether walking local trails with her two dogs, Bourbon and Whiskey, or staying active through fencing (a sport she competed in during college), Peyton values movement and exploration as ways to stay grounded and energized.
Peyton also has a strong creative streak. She enjoys beaded embroidery and detailed design work, often spending months crafting meaningful, personalized pieces for the people she loves. For her, creative work is both meditative and expressive—a way to channel focus and intention into something tangible.
Travel has also been an important part of Peyton’s life. She has lived in several states and spent time abroad in Italy and Greece, experiences that shaped her appreciation for culture, context, and perspective. These experiences reinforce her belief that understanding different systems and worldviews expands empathy.
At her core, Peyton values compassion, curiosity, and growth. She strives to live in alignment with her values and to use her time in ways that contribute meaningfully to others—a commitment that shows up both in her personal life and in her work as a therapist.
Session Fee & Sliding Scale
My standard fee is $75 per session for individuals, couples, and families.
I’m committed to making therapy accessible—and I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots based on financial need.
If the full fee feels out of reach, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the office to inquire about sliding scale eligibility. You deserve support, and we’ll do our best to help make that possible.