Alice Kelly, LMFT

Have you ever felt like life is a struggle? I have, and the butterfly story is what helped me to embrace life and all it has to offer. Struggles seem impossible while in the midst of them at times, however, struggles are exactly what is needed in our lives to enable us to spread our winds and fly. Just like a butterfly, we must face obstacles to be as strong as we could be and desire.

I sincerely strive to be a source of strength, hope, and empowerment for those around me! I am very passionate about helping clients—individuals, couples, and families alike—uncover their inherent capabilities to be the best version of themselves. As a therapist I believe clients are capable of making the changes that they desire. I strongly believe in meeting clients where they are so as to get them where they want to be. With that in mind, I foster a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients. I encourage communication, vulnerability, acceptance, and courage (which is vital to making a connection). Creating this environment allows a therapeutic bond to be established, which I believe is critical to a successful outcome of therapy.

Being authentically myself helps to create a shared goal through an empathic understanding of each client’s experiences. Using systems theory, I integrate multiple models, including, but not limited to, strength-based approaches, emotionally-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, finding an approach that best fits each individual, couple, or family unit. I use mindfulness-based therapy with clients as well.

My background has been in the medical field working with the mental health population for several years. Working with this extraordinary population is what helped me realize my path and goals to become a therapist. Prior to doing my fieldwork at Capital Area Counseling, I knew that working with children, adolescents, and families was my passion.

After working with the mental health population, I realized how trauma impacted people’s lives on multiple levels and knew it was an area, I wanted to specialize in. I like working with trauma related issues, and I have training in trauma. I like using art therapy also, primarily as a tool to allow for further exploration and expression of thoughts and feelings. It is also therapeutic; I use art therapy with minors and family units but it can be applied to all clients. I enjoy working with all client populations but I have found a joy in working with the clients around relational issues. I have experience working with multiple issues, ranging from trauma, depression/anxiety, behavioral issues, sexual identity issues, life/career transitions, and family of origin issues.

I am congruent with who I am inside and outside of the therapy room. I am a very optimistic person and therapist and allow this to show in my daily life and when working with clients. I always have been very empathetic which enables me to be as supportive and understanding as possible. In my personal life self-care is challenging but necessary, so I do my best to incorporate the things I enjoy in life as often as I can. I enjoy the time I spend with my pets, taking in nature, photography, traveling, shopping, and reading. I have of late enjoyed exploring and taking new adventures, getting out of my comfort zone.