Kelly Edens
Hello! My name is Kelly. As your therapist my first goal is to create a relaxed, collaborative, judgment free zone where you can feel safe to explore emotions, experiences, and thoughts freely.
As your therapist my first goal is to create a relaxed, collaborative, judgment free zone where you can feel safe to explore emotions, experiences, and thoughts freely.
In sessions with me you can expect to learn coping skills, but also get deeper by learning how to withstand hard emotions, increase your self-awareness, and overall feel more empowered and in control.
First session
In our first session I want to know your perspective on what is “going wrong.” If you’re not sure, that is ok too! I will want to hear all about your life as it is now and anything about your past that you feel comfortable with sharing. I aim to truly understand the client in the context of their background, culture, dreams, struggles, and symptoms. This way, we can understand the best way forward in counseling.
Strengths
-easy to talk to and understanding -validating client experience and helping client learn to validate themself -being flexible and open to client needs and adjustments -following the client’s lead but guiding when necessary -good at following complicated stories/events -helping the client gain new perspective
Ideal clients
I work well with clients who like a collaborative experience in counseling. As the client you are the expert on the topic (you). I am there to sprinkle in ideas, perspectives, feedback, education, and encouragement! I am also happy to take the lead when you are feeling lost or stuck.
Treatment methods
Integrative
I think it is important to be able to individualize treatment for each client by integrating multiple modalities to best suit the client. I most often utilize ACT, solution focused, psychodynamic, and IFS informed strategies. I find it key to be flexible and work with the client to find the best way forward in treatment.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I find that ACT is helpful for an array of mental health difficulties. It helps to rewire our brains and decrease those seemingly endless thought spirals. Have you ever felt like the real battle you were facing was an internal one? Observation and acceptance of our feelings/thoughts/experiences frees us from the internal struggle so that we can face life with more tolerance.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Who doesn’t like solutions?? Solution focused therapy is great for the client’s who have clear goals and are ready to implement plans and coping strategies.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Being IFS-informed has helped my client’s improve their relationship with themselves. Using strategies from IFS therapy helps the client acknowledge each “part” of them and work on validating their experience rather than avoiding it. This achieves more inner peace and understanding.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP techniques are amazing for people struggling with obsessive and compulsive tendencies. This is the ultimate dive into facing your anxious feelings and teaching your brain that you no longer have to be afraid of the “unknowns” or uncertainty in life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- MarylandLicense LC14820
- North CarolinaLicense 15021