Catherine Kelly, LMFT

Catherine has always been interested in psychology, particularly in the ‘why’ of human behavior. As most therapists in the field, she has had experiences in her own life that have grown her interest in psychology and have led her to therapy. She loves working with people and hearing their stories; “it’s an honor to be trusted by others to hold some of the pain they are experiencing and to help them along the path to healing”.

Catherine decided to pursue a specialty in working with children because of her naturally playful spirit and experience growing up as the oldest in her own family. She feels she connects well with children and can play at their level, creating safety within the playroom for them to explore, grow, and make changes. Catherine recognizes the difficulty of dealing with intense and confusing emotions as a child and her aim is to be a safe landing space for all her clients.

Catherine’s approach to therapy is a strong belief that regardless of what modality she utilizes as a therapist, it comes down to the relationship she has with her clients. Yes, therapeutic interventions are a necessary part of treatment, but she believes that people need to feel safe in their environment first; to feel like someone is there for them, truly listening to them without judgement. It is through the strength of the therapeutic relationship that Catherine can then introduce new skills and offer suggestions for change. She believes that therapy should be a collaborative environment, where both she as the therapist and the client are working together to help the client reach their goals.

Catherine has received specialized training in Play Therapy and is currently in the process of obtaining her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. She thoroughly enjoys working with children and their families, specifically children ages 3 to 11. The type of presenting problems that she has most often encountered in this population range from parents needing support with behavioral issues for children in the home and school settings to helping children cope with anxiety, depression, and severe trauma.

Catherine believes that not only is the individual work with the child important but also collaborating with the parents and caregivers; providing them with the tools to help support the child in the home when they leave her office.

When first meeting Catherine, they can expect to be greeted with a warm and inviting smile, an open mind, and an attentive, listening ear that allows them to feel comfortable and free to share what is on their mind.