Talisha Kelly
In therapy, I enjoy working with client to help them explore ways to increase their peace and fulfillment in life. Whether it be about helping clients find ways to communicate their needs and boundaries, or exploring themselves and what helps them thrive. My approach aligns with my calm, laid-back personality and love for collaboration. I like to use curiosity as a guide to help identify what gets in my client's way of being who they want to be. Then, find ways to how to remove barriers in attainable, realistic ways.
First session
After the first session, the goal is that my clients leave the session with a better understanding of what they'd like to work on in therapy and how to go about doing so. There is a better, mutual understanding (and agreement) of the trajectory for sessions moving forward.
Strengths
My appreciation for authenticity encouraged me to practice what I preach by showing up as my authentic self. This allows me to bring my calm, warm, and transparent nature to the sessions as a way to provide space for clients to process their thoughts in a non-judgmental space. It also allows me to marry warmth with honesty, pointing out any observations that misalign with my client's goals.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is ready and open to delving into the thoughts, beliefs, and actions that are getting in the way of who they are striving to be. They're transparent and honest about what they are experiencing and what they need in therapy. Being in therapy is a vulnerable experience, and apprehensiveness is understandable. However, there is still a willingness to face vulnerability and be open to discussions that may not feel so comfortable because the trade-off can be rewarding in the end.
Origin story
In college, it was apparent that mental health wasn't getting the same attention as physical health, and it did not sit right with me. Mental health can be just as impactful and play hand in hand with physical health (and vice versa). Learning more about mental health inspired me to want to work in the field to support people in giving attention to their mental and emotional health... and that it is okay to do so. Learning more about mental health also gave me more understanding of my own upbringing and how it's influenced how I've moved around in the world...and how I strive to continue moving forward in the world to be my healthiest, best self.
Ongoing work together
As we continue in therapy, we will delve deeper into the aspects of life that consume mental energy and have not-so-fun impacts on your day-to-day life. This is where curiosity comes into play as I learn more about how concerns may be causing stress or discomfort in your life and what steps have already been taken to alleviate unwanted impacts. After this, we explore gaps or blind spots that contribute to stress and strategies to decrease those gaps. During our sessions, we collaborate on ways to incorporate strategies to improve overall well-being. This can include techniques that improve communication, boundary setting, self-care, emotional awareness, and more.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
My style of therapy is eclectic to fit your needs. However, I typically focus on a strength-based approach that allows the basis of the work to identify your resiliencies and support already in place. From there, we explore any gaps that are barriers getting in the way of you being your best self.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With this method, we focus on how thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors. We explore how your worldview impacts how you see yourself and others around you. Then we can challenge and process any thinking that is unhelpful that is keeping you stuck.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
With this approach, I believe that you are the expert in your life. And we explore ways for you to be your authentic self, while setting realistic and attainable expectations around how to meet your needs and wants. By exploring your true needs and wants, we can identify healthy boundaries that may be needed with friends, loved ones, and colleagues that help keep you emotionally healthy.
Location
Virtual sessions