Let me tell you a bit about myself outside of the therapy office. I grew up in Orlando, moved to Denver for my master’s, and moved to Austin a few years ago (because Colorado was way too cold for this Floridian!). In my free time, you’ll likely find me in nature – I love gardening, swimming, hiking, and observing wildlife. I am an introvert, and I enjoy being at home playing cozy video games, doing all types of arts and crafts, and hanging out with my wife, my dog, and my cat. When I’m out and about, I enjoy dancing to EDM and singing karaoke.
Hi, I’m Kelly!
(Pronouns: she/her, they/them)
I graduated from UF with my BS in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience in 2016 and from CU Denver with my MA in Multicultural Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021. I have a wide range of professional experience and have worked at university counseling centers, hospitals, hospices, and crisis lines.
I chose this path when I worked for a non-profit in college that provided peer support to teens and young adults with chronic and terminal illnesses. I saw firsthand how authentic human connection and support made a huge difference in the health outcomes of patients. I realized how creating safe spaces for others to question everything and express themselves filled me with a sense of purpose like nothing else. I made it my passion and profession, and my love of this work has only grown since!
My Background
What Therapy Looks Like with Me
My ultimate goal as a therapist is to create a safe, non-judgemental space for you to connect with yourself in a deeper way. Ultimately, how we decide to use the time and space created in therapy will depend upon your unique goals.
I commonly weave cognitive (thought-based) and somatic (body-based) interventions into our sessions, drawing from my scientific/research-based background as well as my creative/spiritual side to create a well-rounded therapeutic experience.
For example, by voicing your thoughts in therapy, we bring awareness to different thought patterns and internalized beliefs rooted in old ways of coping. We can work to interrupt these patterns and eventually reconstruct these thoughts and beliefs in a more adaptive way. I believe that beneath any layers of outdated programming lies your most genuine, wise self. Together, we can gently unravel these layers, allowing us to rewrite the story of your life in a more empowering, authentic way.
Because our brains don’t exist in vats, but are actually connected to our bodies, it’s important to attend to the emotions and sensations that arise during this work. I might ask you questions like, “What are you feeling right now?” and “Where do you feel that in your body?” I will encourage you to explore and move through deep emotions like fear, shame, and grief. Rather than avoiding these emotions, we’ll process them safely together. With grounding exercises, open conversation, humor, and perhaps even movement or art, we can embark on a transformative journey of healing.
Regardless of how we decide to do therapy, know that I will always be there to offer you essential tools and resources, check in with you about how it’s going, and support you every step of the way.
My Office
The office has a small, portable sandtray, miniatures for the sandtray, an art cart with many different types of supplies (acrylic and watercolor paint, markers, crayons, collage materials, polymer clay, oil and chalk pastels, etc.), a guitar, and an assortment of Tarot/oracle cards for clients to use. Clients are welcome to make themselves feel more comfortable by propping their feet up on the ottoman and grabbing a fuzzy or weighted blanket.
No pressure to use these extra tools in session if just sitting and talking is more your style.
I designed my office space to feel clean, cozy, and inspired by nature. The lift-top table makes fidget toys, coloring books, and various educational handouts more accessible.
The office is also ADA accessible and has two gender neutral bathrooms. There is free parking out front, and it is located right across from a bus stop.
