Kelsey Johnson, CMHC Intern

Meet Kelsey, a dedicated Mental Health Intern with a unique and comprehensive approach to mental wellness, supplemented by her expertise as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Recently, Kelsey has further enhanced her qualifications by completing her training as a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS), a testament to her commitment to supporting individuals with compassion and depth of understanding.

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Kelsey is currently advancing her skills in mental health by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. Her diverse background includes a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition from Central Washington University, complemented by a dietetic internship at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. This combination of mental health counseling and nutritional science allows Kelsey to offer a holistic, body-positive, and inclusive approach to therapy.

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An active member of the American Counseling Association, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians, Kelsey focuses on areas such as self-exploration, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and fostering a positive relationship with food and body image. She works primarily with individuals and teenagers, guiding them through their unique journeys towards mental and emotional well-being.

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Kelsey’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and evidence-based, integrating diverse methodologies like Strength-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Self-Compassion. She believes in laughter as a vital therapeutic tool, emphasizing the importance of building trust and rapport with her clients, whom she views as the experts on their own lives.

She is particularly passionate about assisting teenagers and young adults in their self-exploration and identity journey. Kelsey's extensive experience as a dietitian in various settings, including eating disorder treatment facilities and pediatric specialty clinics, has given her a profound understanding of the necessity for mental health support, especially in navigating body acceptance and chronic illness.

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Guided by the principle that "The only way out is through," as articulated by Dr. Kristen Neff, Kelsey encourages her clients to embrace their experiences, promoting healing and empowerment through self-compassion and resilience.

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Outside the therapy room, Kelsey's love for soccer keeps her active, both as a player in an adult league and as a fervent supporter of the OL Reign women's soccer team. Her holistic, affirming, and body-positive approach, combined with her dedication to creating an inclusive space, makes Kelsey a valuable asset to those seeking support on their mental health journey.