“There's power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.” - Michelle Obama
Hello & Welcome!
Embracing diversity and inclusion with an Authentic Heart.
About Laura Kelly
Laura Kelly, MA, LCPC | Psychotherapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers, herself
If you are reading this, you are most likely a potential client who is hoping to learn a little bit about me to decide if you'd like to work together. I believe that "fit" is very important when choosing a therapist, and if you have any questions after reading, please don't hesitate to send me an email.
I specialize in helping people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or who are experiencing life transitions. My clinical interests include: mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, work-life balance, perfectionism, and procrastination. I particularly enjoy working with college and graduate students, and people in their 20's and 30's who feel like they are trying to figure out what they want their life to look like.
I use an integrative client centered approach, drawing from cognitive therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I believe that anyone can benefit from therapy, and strive to provide a nonjudgmental space for clients to receive support, gain insights, and learn coping skills to facilitate personal growth. I am an LGBTQ+ allied therapist, and I affirm all genders and sexual orientations.
I have worked in the mental health field for my entire professional career. After college, I worked for a substance abuse treatment company doing research and training. I quickly fell in love with the part of my job that involved training substance abuse counselors. I realized that I enjoyed helping people work towards goals and supporting them through challenges. This prompted me to move to Chicago and pursue a career as a therapist.
During and after graduate school, I worked in foster care, a domestic violence shelter, community mental health, and a large group therapy practice. I opened Authentic Heart Psychotherapy in 2019 to allow me to focus on my areas of interest and to spend more time with my family.
I named my practice Authentic Heart Psychotherapy because I believe that in order to live well, we must be empowered to be our authentic selves. As author and speaker Brené Brown says, "Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen." I am passionate about partnering with my clients to help them move past anxiety, shame, and self-doubt so that they can lead authentic and fulfilling lives.
