Licensed to practice in 3 states and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Trauma and PTSD, Coping Skills and 5 more.
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Kelly McIntyre, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, QS, founder of Sunlight Counseling and Assessments, LLC.I believe therapy should be a place where you feel safe, understood, and supported while also being challenged to grow. My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and collaborative. Clients often describe me as calming, honest, genuine, and approachable. While I provide empathy and validation, I also offer gentle accountability and encouragement when needed. I believe growth happens when we feel supported enough to step outside of our comfort zones, and I work alongside my clients to help them build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a comfortable, trusting therapeutic relationship. I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, so I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you can share at your own pace. During this initial session, we will complete a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. This assessment helps me gain a better understanding of your current concerns, personal history, relationships, support systems, physical and mental health, and any experiences that may be contributing to the challenges you are facing today. We'll discuss topics such as: What brought you to therapy Current symptoms and concerns Personal and family history Relationships and support systems Work, school, and daily functioning Previous counseling experiences Strengths, goals, and areas for growth While gathering this information is an important part of the process, I also prioritize building rapport and ensuring you feel heard and understood. My goal is not only to learn about your experiences but also to begin establishing a collaborative relationship where we can work together toward your goals. By the end of the session, we will identify initial treatment goals and discuss recommendations for moving forward. This first meeting serves as the foundation for creating a personalized treatment plan that supports your unique needs, strengths, and aspirations.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. I understand that sharing vulnerable thoughts, emotions, and experiences takes courage, and I strive to provide an environment where clients can be authentic without fear of judgment. I am skilled at holding space for difficult emotions, whether clients are processing trauma, grief, anxiety, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. Rather than rushing to "fix" problems, I help clients explore their experiences with curiosity, compassion, and self-awareness. At the same time, I believe meaningful growth often requires gentle challenge. While I offer empathy and validation, I also help clients identify patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that may be keeping them stuck. When appropriate, I respectfully challenge clients to consider new perspectives, practice accountability, and step outside of their comfort zones in pursuit of their goals. Clients often appreciate my balance of warmth and honesty. I am supportive and compassionate while remaining direct when needed, helping clients feel both understood and empowered. My goal is to foster a therapeutic relationship that encourages insight, resilience, and lasting change.
I specialize in working with adults who are ready to better understand themselves, heal from past experiences, and create meaningful change in their lives. My ideal client is an adult who may appear strong and capable on the outside but internally struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, or the lasting effects of past trauma. They often find themselves repeating unhealthy patterns, feeling stuck, or carrying emotional burdens that have become difficult to manage alone.
Other specialties
I identify as
Trauma Informed Care
At Sunlight Counseling and Assessments, I utilize a trauma-informed approach to therapy, recognizing that many emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges are influenced by past experiences, adversity, and trauma. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with you?" I approach treatment from the perspective of, "What has happened to you, and how has it impacted your life?" My trauma-informed practice is grounded in the principles of safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and respect. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel emotionally and physically safe, heard, and supported throughout the healing process.