(she/her)
My name is McKinsey Kemp, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida. I earned my Master’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and have seven years of professional experience in the field, including one year in case management. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced various forms of trauma. My approach is compassionate and client-centered, focusing on helping individuals build the skills they need to process their experiences, foster resilience, and move toward healing. My goal is to support each client in finding a sense of peace, empowerment, and renewed well-being.
In our first session, we will focus on getting to know one another and exploring the “why now” that brought you to seek support at this time. Together, we will discuss your goals and begin developing a personalized roadmap tailored to your needs, helping guide our work toward meaningful progress and lasting change.
Over my years of practicing, I have come to deeply value the importance of a trusting therapeutic relationship, which begins with truly listening to my clients. I utilize a client-centered approach, recognizing that each individual’s voice and choices are essential to the healing process. I view my clients as the leaders of their own journey—captaining their path forward—while I serve as a supportive guide, helping them build the skills and tools needed to navigate toward their goals and desired destination.
I love to work with all age groups. Trauma work is hard work. But, showing up is the first step in the healing process. I think my clients are courageous individuals who are motivated to face their trauma and are willing to learn the skills they need to do this work.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have six years of experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with children, adolescents, and adults. Through this work, I have found that helping individuals increase awareness of cognitive distortions and unhelpful thinking patterns can create meaningful shifts in how they perceive and respond to situations. With consistent practice, these skills can support clearer thinking, improved decision-making in challenging moments, and positive behavioral change. I have applied this approach in working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders, tailoring treatment to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I have over three years of experience incorporating DBT techniques in my work with adolescents and adults. I have utilized this modality with individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, self-harm behaviors, and borderline personality traits. In my practice, I have found DBT to be highly effective in addressing emotion dysregulation, while also equipping clients with practical skills to better understand, manage, and navigate intense emotions in healthier and more adaptive ways.
Grief Therapy
I have six years of experience providing grief therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. In my practice, I often draw on Dr. Lois Tonkin’s “Growing Around Grief” model, which recognizes that grief does not disappear after a loss; rather, our lives continue to grow around it. In this way, grief does not necessarily become smaller, but instead becomes integrated into a larger, evolving life experience. When working with individuals who are grieving, I find it important to gently acknowledge the full impact of the loss, including experiences of ambiguous loss, as an essential part of the healing process. From there, I collaborate with clients to develop a personalized plan that supports healing, fosters resilience, and guides them toward finding peace while honoring their ongoing connection to what has been lost.
Motivational Interviewing
I have six years of experience utilizing Motivational Interviewing with adolescents and adults, and I frequently incorporate this approach when working with clients who have co-occurring substance use disorders. I value this method for its emphasis on meeting clients where they are in their journey, without judgment or pressure. Motivational Interviewing supports the process of identifying an individual’s stage of change and exploring their personal motivation for growth. This collaborative approach helps clients strengthen their own readiness for change, build confidence, and move forward at a pace that feels meaningful and sustainable for them.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and have over three years of experience providing this treatment to children and adolescents in both in-person and virtual settings. I value TF-CBT for its structured yet flexible, client-centered approach, particularly in regard to treatment pacing and the collaborative development of the trauma narrative. This modality is grounded in partnership and collaboration, and I encourage the involvement of a trusted caregiver or supportive adult when appropriate through conjoint sessions. In my practice, I have found TF-CBT to be a highly effective and meaningful approach in supporting healing for young individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them process their experiences in a safe, supportive, and developmentally appropriate way.