Abbie Kelley

Abbie Kelley, MA, LCPC. I studied my undergraduate degree at The University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana and my graduate work at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Over the past five years I have specialized in Individual work with adults, Behavioral-based Family therapy, play therapy and attachment work. Prior to working at a private agency I worked in the public sector with individuals and families struggling with severe and chronic mental health concerns. I have extensive work assisting individuals with mood regulation, emotional struggles, children with behavioral concerns, and strengthening family dynamics.

I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. I work with each client to build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

I utilize a nonpathologizing, competency-based approach that takes into account the larger political and cultural contexts in which problems arise. Amung my various modalities I utilize cognitive-behavioral approaches with a constructive-narrative perspective to best assist my clients.

I believe that we make meaning of our lives through our experiences and often persuade/dissuade ourselves based off of the narratives we develop. People often get ‘stuck’ when the maladaptive stories in their lives dominate their local culture and restrict their possibilities. I work to shift maladaptive narratives and facilitate new narratives--narratives that are more empowering, more satisfying, and give hope for better futures.

My focus is on the "here and now" upon meeting my clients, the different environments in which they interact, and past history as it relates to their current level of functioning. Self exploration is specialized towards each individual. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults who have histories of abuse and trauma.

Specialization:
Family therapy
Family Transitions- divorce, adoption, new baby, etc
Individual therapy
Play therapy- ADHD, ODD, behavioral concerns, self-esteem, bullying, etc.
Behavioral Family therapy
Domestic Violence
Anger Management