About Me

Kelsey Ellingson

I like working with people who feel
like they don’t belong or don’t fit.

Together we can challenge the societal beliefs, norms, and expectations we’ve been socialized with. These messages come from society and our families of origin and from our cultures. I believe that therapy can be a space where you can show up as your full self. We do this so we can reclaim the parts of ourselves that felt like they didn’t belong.

Therapy does not have to be super serious or look a certain way. Therapy can be fun!

More about me:

  • I like to swear (I use it when it is appropriate)

  • I like to laugh and use humor in my sessions

  • I’m on a journey of understanding myself too

  • I like to read, watch scary movies, paddle board, hike, talk about how cool moss is, and hang out with my dog

I’m currently booking appointments Monday to Thursday

My identity locations

I am working to decolonize my practice. This means I acknowledge my agent identities and intersectional marginalizations:

  • cisgender

  • female

  • white

  • queer

  • grew up without class privilege

  • spiritual

Modalities I use

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. Through guided eye movements and bilateral stimulation, clients process their experiences, leading to reduced emotional impact and improved coping mechanisms. EMDR emphasizes the brain's natural ability to heal, facilitating a path toward recovery and integration of troubling memories without talking about trauma directly.

Ego States

Ego State Therapy focuses on understanding the various aspects of a person's personality shaped by experiences. It recognizes that different parts of our identity can have unique emotions, memories, and behaviors. Clients are encouraged to communicate with these ego states, leading to increased self-awareness and integration. This approach helps individuals address each ego state's needs, facilitating problem-solving, healing past traumas, and developing healthier coping strategies. It is especially beneficial for individuals on the autism spectrum or those with attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms, providing a nuanced exploration of their identity's interaction with daily challenges.

IFS

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a model that views the mind as made up of distinct subpersonalities or "parts," each with its own emotions, thoughts, and roles. The therapy aims to foster self-awareness and healing by encouraging clients to explore and understand their internal landscape, leading to harmonious relationships between these parts. Through this process, individuals can achieve self-compassion and greater emotional resilience.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing one's attention on the present moment, acknowledging thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can help individuals in therapy by reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, and fostering a greater sense of self-awareness, compassion, peace, and acceptance.

  • Feminist

  • Antiracist

  • Social Justice focus

  • Liberatory practice

  • Relational therapy = healing comes from an authentic connection between a client and therapist

  • Fat positive / weight neutral

  • Intersectional Identity work

My Approach to Therapy

My Education

2018 | M.S. in Mental Health Counseling; Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN

Trainings

  • EMDR Basic Training - 2021

  • Becoming a Neurodivergent-Affirming Clinician - 2024

Who I work best with

I believe in social justice, even in the therapeutic setting.

I aspire to be anti-racist & I work to decolonize my therapy practice. As part of that work, I recognize the unearned privileges I have.

I work with a lot of trans and nonbinary people who are looking to become more authentic, embodied, and grounded.

I also work with people whose queer identities overlap or intersect, such as being asexual/ aromantic and polyamorous/ practicing consensual non-monogamy.

Who I don’t work the best with

Scope of Practice

Many therapists have specializations and unique areas of knowledge. When a client has an issue they are not familiar with, the ethical response is to refer them to someone who can best meet their needs. We do not practice outside the scope of our knowledge and/or training.

These folks are not the best fit for my practice:

  • People with Eating Disorders

  • Personality Disorders

  • Active suicidal ideation

  • Those seeking PFMLA support or Emotional Support Animal letter writing

  • Autism assessments (coming soon)

  • Custody disputes/Forensic (court)

  • Children & Adolscents under 18

  • Perinatal mental health

  • Chronic Illness

Schedule a Consultation Call

Get a free 30-minute phone call to get to know me & see if we’re a good fit

Contact me

I have chosen not to put a message section in this form in order to be HIPAA-compliant.

Please give me your details and I will get back to you within 2 business days.