Hi, I’m Kelsey west (she/her)

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, and I’m passionate about empowering my clients to live their best lives.

Ultimately, my goal as a therapist is to find the tools that are the most helpful for each person I work with. I love talking about how experiences have shaped the beliefs each person has about themselves and the world, as well as using neuroscience to understand why your brain is responding in certain ways.

When I’m not working I love spending time with my anxious german shepherd, reading, and knitting. I also love to incorporate knitting or other hobbies into session when I can, so don’t be afraid to bring your favorite craft to work on while we talk, or ask me to teach you how to knit or crochet!

MY EXPERIENCE

I’ve worked in a variety of settings including schools, legal aid, hospitals and outpatient therapy. I have extensive experience working with eating disorders, survivors of interpersonal violence and other trauma, ADHD, and other mood and anxiety disorders. I utilize neuroscience perspectives, trauma-informed therapy, neurodiversity affirming care, and relational therapy aspects in my practice with clients.

SPECIALTIES AND SERVICES

  • All eating disorder diagnosis and behaviors including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-Eating Disorder and ARFID
  • Food Exposures and Meal support 
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis or symptoms, especially in women
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts 
  • Body Image Distress 
  • Relationship struggles 
  • Self-Image and building confidence and trust in yourself

what to expect in sessions

I pride myself on always taking a collaborative, communicative, and conversational approach. I will validate and listen, but I also will challenge, present other perspectives, and give feedback. I’m a very direct person and I like to take an active role as a therapist, but at the end of the day you are the expert on your life, and I’m here to be your support and cheerleader in all things.

CORE BELIEFS

I always practice from a Health at Every Size (R) perspective, and believe in Intuitive Eating Principals. We live in a world filled with diet culture messaging and I believe it’s important to acknowledge how that impacts us, while finding the balance that brings the most peace in one’s relationship with food and body.

I believe that many challenges come from the protective parts of an individual that help with survival, and understanding this can help us shift behavior into a more sustainable lifestyle.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be incredibly healing. It may not always feel like every session is groundbreaking (though hopefully sometimes it does feel like this!), but by modeling healthy relationship boundaries and interactions, the therapeutic relationship in itself can be very beneficial.

licensure and certifications

ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia

Licensed by Endorsement in Massachusetts, Idaho, and DC

Registered Telehealth Professional in Florida

(http://www.flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/)

Certified in Phase I of Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics