Kelly was born in Lynchburg Virginia and raised in Southern California but has been back east in this area since the early 90s. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with over a decade of experience across many different settings consisting of inpatient, outpatient, intensive in-home, university, mental health agency work. Kelly graduated from liberty University with his PhD in professional counseling in January 2013; and has taught graduate students in group therapy skills and individual therapy techniques. Kelly tends to be eclectic in his counseling approach, employing CBT, and Person Centered. Active listening, CBT, Cognitive Challenging, Cognitive Refocusing, Cognitive Reframing, Conflict resolution, Exploration of Coping Patterns, Exploration of Emotions, Exploration of Relationship Patterns, Free Association processing, Interactive Feedback, Person centered, Preventative Services, Relaxation/Deep Breathing, Role-Play/Behavioral Rehearsal... Kelly seeks to meet you where you are in life and strives to help you grow in personal/social/work awareness, insight, and emotional/cognitive/behavioral change.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Walking into your first therapy session can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but my goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, heard, and supported from the start. Here’s what you can expect in our first session together: **A Warm, Safe Environment** From the moment we begin, I aim to create a relaxed and welcoming space where you feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings. Therapy is a judgment-free zone, and I encourage you to speak openly about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. **Getting to Know You** The first session is primarily about us getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This helps me understand what brought you here and how I can best support you. You don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly what to say; I’m here to guide the conversation in a way that feels natural. **Setting the Foundation** We’ll also discuss what therapy will look like moving forward. I’ll explain how the process works, what you can expect from me, and how we can work together to address your challenges. This is a time for us to collaborate on setting goals for your therapy journey. **No Pressure to Share Everything Right Away** There’s no rush to dive into your most personal or difficult topics right away. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with during the first session. **Building a Connection** Therapy is a partnership, and our first session is an opportunity to start building a connection. I approach our time together with empathy, kindness, and active listening. My goal is to ensure you feel heard, understood, and supported. **Next Steps** At the end of the session, we’ll discuss how you’re feeling about continuing therapy. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll plan for future sessions and discuss what our work together will focus on moving forward. If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to share them at any time. Remember, this is your space, and I’m here to help guide and support you in whatever ways are most helpful for you.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My Approach as a Therapist As your therapist, I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable to explore your thoughts and emotions. I believe that the foundation of effective therapy is built on trust, mutual respect, and empathy. My goal is to walk alongside you with a gentle, caring, and supportive presence. One of my greatest strengths is humility—I approach our work together with the understanding that you are the expert on your own life. I am here to support you in discovering new insights and solutions that feel authentic to you. My down-to-earth nature allows me to connect with you in a way that feels relaxed and approachable, making it easier for you to open up and feel understood. I bring insight into our sessions, drawing from my knowledge and experience to offer perspectives that can help guide your journey. With a kind and gentle demeanor, I strive to make our time together feel compassionate and caring. I am here to listen actively, providing a space where you can express yourself without fear of being judged. My eclectic approach is rooted in support—I aim to empower you, helping you navigate through challenges while offering guidance tailored to your unique situation. By maintaining a relaxed and calm atmosphere, I foster a therapeutic environment where you can feel at ease. I am also deeply committed to knowledgeable empathy, meaning that I don’t just listen; I strive to understand your experience on a deeper level. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, or other mental health challenges, I am here to provide a compassionate, insightful, and knowledgeable approach to help you heal and grow. Together, we will work at a pace that feels comfortable to you, with a focus on promoting lasting change and personal growth. Feel free to tweak or adjust this as needed! Does this capture what you’re aiming for?

About Dr Kelly Bonebright