LISW, 10 years of experience
Hi! I'm Kelsey. I believe each and every one of us have the power to make change happen, even on your worst day. Even if all you did was roll out of bed this morning, eat some cold spaghetti, and roll right back in. As a mother of three, I bring unique insights to building trust and connection with my clients. I have extensive experience working in and outside of systems advocating for and treating individuals who have experienced violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. My practice is focused primarily on offering culturally responsive, evidence-based therapy for stress, anxiety, ADHD, and more, with talk and play-based virtual options. I practice the "Smart but Scattered" approach to ADHD by Dr. Peg Dawson, helping both children and adults improve organization, focus, and impulse control. The core idea is to target the executive skills that are suffering and apply specific, practical techniques to manage those challenges. Examples include: breaking down large tasks, advocating for accommodations, using planning tools, and developing strategies for emotional control and time management.
The first few sessions will be focused on building trust and rapport as a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for feeling safe enough to fully express your emotions. Along the way, there’s often laughter, and sometimes, tears, as I encourage all of my clients to feel their feelings in session.
I believe one of my greatest strengths is to help young children and adolescents feel seen as competent individuals who deserve privacy, autonomy, and respect. My work with kids usually exists in the in-between, building up competency and confidence in the small moments of hesitation, the pause between words; when the root cause of anxiety shows its face for a moment. We can't always help our young people communicate their feelings perfectly, but we can teach them the ways to cope.
My ideal client is anyone 6 to 70-something who struggles with shame, people-pleasing, and boundary setting. I would love the opportunity to work with you or your child. I may be a good fit if you’re: looking to recover from a lifetime of people-pleasing, looking for someone to help you (or your child) cope with life’s twists and turns, and ready to show up authentically, exactly as you are.
An experienced therapist will use a variety of methods during the first several sessions. As we get to know each other, I will learn what you find helpful, as well as when you may benefit from a more targeted approach. I have specialized experience working with survivors of sexual assault/trauma, as well as veterans struggling with substance abuse issues. I utilize solutions-focused therapy using a blend of methods like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, psychoanalysis, and attachment theory. I treat adults, children, and families who have experienced trauma, grief, loss, depression, ADHD, and anxiety.
If you are experiencing issues with self-image, self-confidence, body dysmorphia, or low self-esteem, I will utilize a Feminist Therapy approach to analyze how our society has negatively impacted your ability to see yourself in a more positive light. We will connect how your thoughts impacts your feelings and behaviors when it comes to self-image. I believe it is pretty radical to love yourself in a world that teaches you not to. Together we can work towards more self-love and a better relationship with your body!
We will explore how your past experiences in childhood and adulthood have a conscious and unconscious impact on your day-to-day functioning.
Psychoeducation provides information on diagnosis, how common symptoms present, and how to learn about your mental health in order to cope with it. Sometimes that awareness - the acknowledgement of it - helps move you towards healing.
In exposure therapy, we will learn how to "Ride the Worry Hill" of panic when it comes to the debilitating condition of OCD and the compulsive behaviors/rituals that come with it.