Kelly Albrecht, ASW #111734
As a therapist who specializes in trauma, complex trauma, relationship loss, life transitions, and substance use, I understand that life can be unpredictable and at times overwhelming, leaving us feeling stuck and struggling to cope. I recognize the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors with empathy, validation, and non-judgment.
While providing therapy, I utilize various evidenced based practices, unique to your individual needs. I utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach consisting of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Problem Solving Therapy (PST), and somatic interventions such as Polyvagal Therapy. My approach to therapy includes developing a relationship led by your goals, established through open communication and mutual feedback. In our work together, we will collaborate in identifying your feelings, building tolerance around challenging emotions, and shifting emotional and behavioral patterns that are in line with your goals. My ultimate goal is to help my clients find a sense of healing, meaning, and empowerment, and to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Trauma
Trauma can have a significant impact on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, avoidance, hyperarousal, and dissociation. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to function in daily life and may require specialized treatment to address.
If you have experienced trauma, we can work together using evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies to help you with and recover from traumatic experiences.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma refers to a type of trauma that is chronic, repeated, or prolonged in nature, often occurring within the context of interpersonal relationships or environments that are marked by abuse, neglect, or other forms of violence. Unlike a single traumatic event, complex trauma involves exposure to multiple traumatic experiences over time and can have a profound impact on an individual's psychological, social, and emotional well-being. Complex trauma can result in a range of symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, dissociation, difficulties with self-esteem and self-worth, interpersonal problems, and chronic physical health issues.
Evidence-based treatments for complex trauma may include trauma-focused therapies, such as prolonged exposure therapy or cognitive processing therapy, as well as other interventions such as mindfulness-based therapies, somatic experiencing, and psychodynamic approaches.
Life Transitions/Relationship Loss and Grief
Are you struggling to process a recent breakup or divorce? Are you working through estrangement within your family? These relational ruptures are experiences of valid grief that can cause major disruptions in our lives. Often they are also entangled with experiences of trauma, anxiety, and depression. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and can greatly benefit from the assistance of a therapist to help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones and plan for the ways in which you would like to move forward. Together we can make a plan that is tailored to your experience and goals, utilizing evidence-based approaches tailored to you, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, Problem-Solving Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic approaches.
Substance Use
I have experience working with adolescents and adults experiencing substance use disorders, including when experienced concurrently with trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I take a harm-reduction approach to substance use challenges ranging from gradual changes in behaviors to full sobriety, depending on your unique needs and experience.
The relationship between substance use and other psychological experiences can be complex, with each disorder often exacerbating the other. For example, individuals who experience symptoms of trauma, anxiety, or depression may use substances as a way of coping with their emotional distress, which can lead to the development of substance use disorders. On the other hand, substance use can lead to or exacerbate symptoms of psychological distress.
Treatment for co-occurring disorders including substance use typically involves a comprehensive approach. Evidence-based treatments for co-occurring disorders may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Problem-Solving Therapy (PST).
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
I offer ADHD therapy, tailored to address your unique needs. ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of symptoms that can impact various aspects of life. In our sessions, we'll work collaboratively to develop effective strategies for managing the challenges associated with ADHD, which may include symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Using evidence-based approaches, we'll focus on enhancing your executive functioning skills, building self-esteem, and providing you with tools to improve attention, impulsivity control, and time management. I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly express your thoughts and emotions, especially those related to your ADHD experiences. Together, we will explore your strengths, understand your difficulties, and work towards optimizing your daily life. My goal is to empower you to navigate the world with confidence and unlock your full potential, taking into account the unique challenges ADHD may present.
Couples
As a therapist offering clinical therapy to couples, my primary goal is to help the couple improve their relationship by addressing any issues or conflicts that may be present. Some common issues that couples may seek therapy for include communication difficulties, intimacy problems, infidelity, and financial disagreements.
During our therapy sessions, we may use a variety of techniques and approaches to support you and your partner work through problems that arise in relationships. This may include helping you develop more effective communication skills, building conflict resolution techniques, and exploring the underlying emotions and beliefs that may be contributing to relationship difficulties. We will utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions in our work together, such as but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, and Problem Solving Therapy (PST).
It's important to note that as a therapist, my role is not to take sides or to assign blame. Rather, we will work together to create a safe and supportive environment where both partners feel heard and validated.
Families
As a therapist offering clinical therapy to families, my primary goal is to help your family improve your family relationships, communication, and functioning by addressing any challenges or issues you and your family members may be experiencing. Some common issues that families seek therapy for include parenting difficulties, sibling conflicts, divorce or separation, grief and loss, and mental health issues.
During therapy sessions, we may use a variety of techniques and approaches to help your family work through challenges you may be facing. This may involve helping you identify relational patterns and dynamics, develop better communication skills, work together to build conflict resolution strategies and explore underlying emotions and beliefs.
We will utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions in our work together, such as but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, and Problem Solving Therapy (PST).
It's important to me to create a safe and supportive environment for families where you feel comfortable expressing your feelings and thoughts without judgment. As your therapist, I will remain neutral and avoid taking sides, instead focusing on assisting your family to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives.
Adolescents
As a therapist offering therapy to adolescents, my primary goal is to help adolescents manage their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts by addressing any mental health issues they may be experiencing. Some common issues that adolescents seek therapy for include anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem problems, and behavioral difficulties. It is top-priority for me to create a non-judgmental and supportive environment for adolescents where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. Additionally, we will work in collaboration with parents or caregivers while supporting adolescent clients’ autonomy in their journey to adulthood. Work with families involves a joint effort to improve communication and build conflict resolution strategies.
During therapy sessions, we may use a variety of techniques and approaches to help adolescents work through their problems. This may involve helping adolescents develop coping skills, teaching them relaxation techniques, and providing them with a safe space to talk about their feelings and thoughts. We will utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions in our work together, such as but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Theory, and Problem Solving Therapy (PST), and somatic interventions like mindfulness and Polyvagal Therapy.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility and overcome barriers to personal growth and well-being. ACT is grounded in the idea that psychological suffering arises from the struggle to control or eliminate negative thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Instead, ACT encourages individuals to develop an accepting and non-judgmental relationship with their thoughts and emotions, while also taking action toward meaningful goals and values. This is achieved through the use of various techniques such as mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive defusion, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. The therapy has been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and chronic pain. Clinical social workers who practice ACT typically receive specialized training in the approach and may incorporate it into their broader approach to psychotherapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The underlying principle of CBT is that by changing negative or maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, individuals can improve their emotional well-being and overall functioning. CBT involves a structured and collaborative approach to treatment, with therapists and clients working together to identify negative or distorted thinking patterns and develop new, more adaptive ways of thinking and responding to situations. CBT techniques may include cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, exposure therapy, and problem-solving skills training. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
Attachment Theory emphasizes the importance of early attachment experiences in shaping an individual's relational patterns and emotional regulation throughout their life. Together we will utilize a relational approach, creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your attachment experiences and how they impact your current relationships and sense of self. We may use techniques such as reflective listening, empathy, and attunement to help you explore your emotional experiences and develop insight into your relational patterns. We can also work to develop new ways of relating to others that promote secure attachment, such as learning to communicate needs and boundaries effectively. Therapy utilizing attachment theory can be helpful for individuals and couples struggling with relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and emotional regulation difficulties, among other concerns.
Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) is a type of brief and structured psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and solving specific problems that are causing emotional distress or interfering with daily functioning. The goal of PST is to teach individuals how to approach problems in a systematic and efficient manner, and to help them develop skills to solve problems effectively on their own. The therapy typically involves several steps, including identifying and defining the problem, brainstorming possible solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each solution, choosing the best solution, and developing a plan to implement the solution. PST may also include strategies to help individuals manage emotions related to the problem, such as relaxation techniques or cognitive restructuring. PST has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Clinical social workers who use PST typically receive specialized training in the approach and may incorporate it into their broader approach to psychotherapy.
Polyvagal Therapy aims to help individuals regulate their autonomic nervous system responses to stress and promote social engagement and emotional regulation. Polyvagal therapy uses a combination of body-based techniques, such as breathing exercises, movement, and touch, along with talk therapy to help individuals develop greater awareness of their physical and emotional states, and learn to self-regulate their responses to stress. The therapy is often used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and complex trauma. Clinical social workers who use polyvagal therapy typically receive specialized training in the approach and may incorporate it into their broader approach to psychotherapy.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): As a therapist specializing in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model, I view each client as a system of unique and valuable "parts," each holding its own story, emotions, and role within the individual. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space where you can explore these parts, often uncovering protective mechanisms, wounded exiles, and the deeper wisdom of your core Self. Together, we gently work to build trust with these parts, allowing them to step forward, share their experiences, and feel understood. This process often leads to greater self-awareness, healing, and inner harmony, as you connect with the Self—a source of calm, clarity, and confidence—to lead your internal system. It's a privilege to witness the profound transformation that occurs when clients embrace and integrate all aspects of themselves.
I can help you achieve the quality of life you are wanting. I provide individual therapy sessions for 50 minutes/$140 per session and couples therapy sessions for 50 minutes/$160 per session.
Feel free to contact me for a free 20-minute consultation.
Email: Kellyalbrecht.therapy@gmail.com
Phone #: (213) 437-3420