ABOUT ME
Hello and Welcome!
I'm Kelsey (she/her), a second-gen, Chinese-Canadian, escape room enthusiast, and therapist dedicated to helping you reconnect with your authentic self. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience, I specialize in providing trauma-informed, culturally affirming care to adults navigating life's complexities.
In our work together, I'll provide the structure and focused support, while you bring the initiative and story. I'll hold the framework; you bring your authentic self, and together we can make meaningful change happen. I understand that if it's a relationship that wounds us, it's a relationship that heals us. Our therapeutic relationship will be a collaborative space where your experiences are honored and your strengths are empowered.
We'll explore how trauma has impacted your life, identifying the connections between your childhood experiences and the patterns you find yourself in today. We'll delve into the protective strategies you've developed to keep yourself safe when options were limited. We'll honor these parts as valuable resources, acknowledging that while they may have been necessary then, they might not be needed in your daily life anymore. As your environment has become safer and you've gained more agency, we'll reassess these patterns together.
When you're ready to process trauma, you need a therapist who is focused, engaged, and invested in your growth. My intention is to do just that.
I believe therapy doesn't have to be stiff or formal—let's cut through the noise and get to what really matters to you.
Education
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Bachelor's in Child Development – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
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Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy – Bethel University, Minneapolis, MN
Professional Training:
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Level 1 Certified, 2018
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Brainspotting – Level 1 Certified, 2022
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Trauma – Informed Yoga & Mindfulness, 2022
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Anchored Relational (formerly AIR Network) Model – Estimated completion 2025
Licenses and Certifications:
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Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Minnesota (License #3541), 2019
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Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oregon (License #T2721), 2024
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Board-Approved Supervisor – Minnesota Board of Marriage & Family Therapy and Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, 2023
My Approach
I have advanced postgraduate training in multiple therapeutic modalities for treating trauma and PTSD. Over the years, I've integrated elements from various approaches to create a personalized therapy experience without strictly adhering to any single method. Here are the core modalities I draw from:
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Level 1 Certified
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Brainspotting – Level 1 Certified
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Trauma-Informed Movement and Mindfulness
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Acceptance Commitment Therapy​
​While each of these approaches offers specific techniques, my trauma processing work is guided by some core principles:
Starting from a Liberation Psychotherapy lens
I work from a liberation psychotherapy lens- one that prioritizes empowerment, cultural relevance, and interconnectedness of personal and societal well-being.
Exploring Your Story
We'll delve into how trauma has impacted your life, uncovering the connections between your past experiences and present patterns. This exploration helps us understand the protective strategies you've developed.
Empowerment and Embodiment
Our collaborative work aims to empower you to embrace new ways of being that align with your present circumstances, relationships, and personal growth.
Providing Focused Support
I'll hold the framework of our sessions, ensuring we have a clear direction and purpose. This allows us to dive deep into the areas that matter most to you.
Honoring Protective Parts
We'll recognize the patterns and strategies you developed to keep yourself safe when options were limited. We'll honor these parts as valuable resources while acknowledging that they may no longer be necessary in your current life.
