Kevin Foley
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with graduate degrees in Social Work and Physical Education, I've devoted my career to understanding how trauma shapes the mind, body, and the stories we tell ourselves. My work has taken me through military service, law enforcement, homeless work, suicide prevention, and complex mental health, giving me the privilege of walking alongside people during some of the most painful and defining moments of their lives. Those experiences didn't just shape my career—they shaped who I am and how I practice. I've lived through experiences that forced me to confront fear, grief, shame, loss, and the devastating consequences of believing I had to carry those burdens alone. I've seen what trauma can do to the human spirit, and I've also seen what becomes possible when someone is finally understood instead of judged. That belief is the foundation of my practice.
First session
I didn't become a therapist because life was kind to me. I became one because I know what it feels like to believe there is no way out. My life has been shaped by chaos, trauma, war, loss, devastating mistakes, and seasons where I questioned whether I wanted to keep living. I've known what it's like to wake up carrying shame, to wonder if the person staring back in the mirror is someone worth saving, and to spend years trying to outrun pain instead of understanding it. I've learned that trauma doesn't just leave scars, it changes the way you see yourself, other people, and the world. It convinces you that you're broken. That your mistakes define you. That asking for help is weakness. I believed those lies for a long time. I know what it feels like to build a life that looks successful while quietly falling apart inside. The turning point in my life wasn't finding the perfect answer. It was discovering that healing begins the moment we stop hiding from ourselves. I learned that the parts of me I hated most weren't evidence that I was beyond repair, they were the parts of me that had never been understood. That realization changed everything. Today, I bring that understanding into every session. My work isn't based solely on degrees, theories, or clinical training—although those matter. It's grounded in having walked through darkness myself and knowing that people are capable of far more healing than they believe. I've served in combat. I've worked in law enforcement. I've sat with people on what they believed would be the worst day of their lives. And I've had to fight my own battles when no one else could see them. Those experiences taught me something that has become the foundation of my practice: People are not defined by the worst thing that's happened to them—or the worst thing they've ever done. They're defined by what happens when they decide their story isn't over. If you're looking for someone who will judge you, give you clichés, or tell you to simply "think positive," I'm probably not the right therapist. But if you're exhausted from pretending you're okay... if you're carrying trauma, shame, anxiety, depression, grief, or thoughts you've never said out loud... if you're ready to understand yourself instead of fighting yourself. Then you've found someone who understands. Not because I've read about suffering. Because I've lived through enough of it to know that healing is real—and no one should have to find it alone.
Strengths
Therapy is a process of discovery, and I genuinely believe that even in the hardest moments, there is something valuable to uncover.
Ideal clients
As someone who has always sought to serve others, whether on the battlefield, in the line of duty, or now in the therapy room, my passion for helping others transform their lives runs deep. My clients often find that working with me is a dynamic experience that encourages them to think critically, explore deeply, and engage fully with their healing process. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about fostering resilience, nurturing growth, and empowering individuals to live their lives with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment. With every client I meet, I am deeply committed to the journey of discovery, empowerment, and transformation. My mission is to help others reclaim their stories, rediscover their strengths, and step into the fullest versions of themselves. When you begin working with me, there are a few important things I want you to understand about my approach and what you can expect from our sessions. First and foremost, I bring a very direct and honest approach to therapy. I believe that to truly make progress, we must be willing to look at things clearly and directly, even when it’s uncomfortable. I won’t sugarcoat things or avoid difficult topics, but I will always do so with empathy and compassion. My goal is to help you confront the issues holding you back, not by overwhelming you, but by guiding you to face them with confidence and strength.
Treatment methods
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) by creating a safe and empathetic environment for clients to explore their emotions and relational patterns. Begins, by assessing each client’s attachment history and current dynamics. I use interventions such as reflecting emotions, validating experiences, and restructuring negative patterns to foster secure emotional bonds. Encourage open communication and vulnerability between partners or within the family system. Additionally, incorporate experiential techniques like enactments or role-plays to help clients connect emotionally and shift towards healthier relational patterns. Regularly assessing progress and adapt interventions accordingly to support lasting change.
Humanistic
I incorporate the humanistic therapy approach by prioritizing the individual’s subjective experience, self-awareness, and personal growth. Begins, by establishing a genuine and empathetic therapeutic relationship built on unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence. Encouraging clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a nonjudgmental and supportive environment. Utilizing techniques such as active listening, reflection, and open-ended questioning to facilitate self-exploration and insight. Fostering client autonomy and empowerment by encouraging them to take responsibility for their choices and actions. Incorporate person-centered techniques such as focusing on the here and now, exploring values and meaning, and promoting self-acceptance and authenticity. Continuously collaborating with clients to set goals and objectives that align with their personal values and aspirations. Regularly review progress and adjust interventions as needed to support clients’ ongoing growth and development.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I implement Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients address and reframe maladaptive thought patterns related to traumatic experiences. Begins, by conducting a thorough assessment to identify the specific cognitive distortions and symptoms related to the trauma. Collaboratively educating clients about the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, emphasizing the role of cognitive distortions in maintaining distress. Utilizing cognitive restructuring techniques to challenge and modify negative beliefs and interpretations associated with the trauma, such as self-blame or feelings of helplessness. Guiding clients through structured exercises, such as writing or recording their trauma narratives, to process and reframe their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Integrating mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help clients manage distressing emotions and sensations associated with traumatic memories. Additionally, providing psychoeducation on common reactions to trauma and coping strategies to support clients’ ongoing recovery and resilience. Regularly monitoring progress and adjust interventions as needed to ensure clients are making meaningful gains in their cognitive and emotional well-being.
Somatic
As a therapist, I incorporate somatic therapy into my sessions by helping clients connect with their physical sensations and bodily experiences as a means of processing emotions and trauma. I guide clients in developing body awareness through grounding exercises, breathwork, and mindful movement to regulate their nervous system and release stored tension. By integrating techniques such as guided body scanning, progressive muscle relaxation, and somatic tracking, I help clients recognize how stress, trauma, and emotions manifest physically. This approach allows for deeper healing by bridging the mind-body connection, fostering emotional regulation, and creating a sense of safety and empowerment within the body.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- MaineLicense LC24416
- MassachusettsLicense LICSW126790