About Chelsea
My Approach
Most of all, my style is to show up as my authentic self, because that’s what I encourage for you.
My primary theoretical orientation is a blend between relational psychodynamic and a Buddhist-founded approach called contemplative psychotherapy. However, I may incorporate a variety of other styles and techniques depending on your individual needs. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, somatic interventions, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Internal Family Systems.
In a few words, my approach is compassionate, evidenced-based, grounded, trauma-informed, and practiced with multicultural humility.
My mission is to help each person uncover and embrace their basic human nature of clarity, compassion, courage, and ease.
Education and Experience
I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology. I also obtained a BA in Social Work from West Virginia University. Over the years, I’ve received intensive training in trauma-informed care and specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD.
For five years in Colorado, I worked at a nonprofit supporting adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities, autistic individuals, and people with traumatic brain injuries. During that time, I wore many hats across departments and came to deeply respect the full spectrum of neurodiversity—not only within the common “diagnoses,” but in the unique ways all minds work. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I reject the notion that the “norm” is inherently better—if such a thing even exists.
Here in Grand Rapids, I’ve had the privilege of working at a group practice focused on queer and trans-competent care. It was a space of collaboration, growth, and connection—with both clients and a truly gifted team of therapists. Supporting the queer and trans community has become not only a strength, but a deeply rooted passion that continues to shape and energize my work every day.
Specializations
While I center and tailor most of my work with the queer and transgender community, I strive to create an open and affirmative space for all.
I specialize in supporting folks with anxiety, ADHD, grief, gender identity challenges, coping with oppressive systems, life transitions, and OCD. I also guide clients in enhancing mindfulness and presence in their lives.
At this time, I work only with Adults.
What to Expect
In our work together, I take time to understand you—your values, your resilience, and the struggles that bring you to therapy. Together, we’ll notice the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that arise in the moment and use them as catalysts for insight and change.
It’s not my style to rush into giving advice or offer quick fixes—those are rarely lasting or truly helpful. I don’t see you as broken, yet I take your pain seriously and won’t bypass it. Sometimes naming what you’re going through—whether that’s OCD, anxiety, or another experience—can be validating and clarifying, and I’ll work with you to identify what’s most helpful for your understanding and growth.
My role is to be a guide, helping you tap into your own wisdom and capacity for growth. When my perspective or knowledge could genuinely support you, I’ll share it—always with your permission. If we’re working with OCD or related conditions, I do take a more directive approach, as ERP works best with crystal clear guidance, thorough psychoeducation, and evidence‑based care.
When it’s helpful, I love teaching about the brain and nervous system to help you better understand what’s happening in your mind and body. At your pace, I’ll move with you through difficult experiences with curiosity and compassion—so you can meet yourself and your life with greater ease.
Lucy, AKA: Goose, Goose-Egg, Perfect Angel, Daughter, Stinky Girl, My Best Girl. Learn more about Lucy HERE.
I’m a Regular Human
Most of my time is spent at home with my spouse, our toddler, and our two fur babies. These days, getting out isn’t as easy, but I’ve learned to find joy in the little things at home—gardening, collecting plants, dancing, being silly together, or just enjoying quiet moments. When I do venture out, you’ll probably find me wandering a thrift store, lingering in a garden center, or off on an adventure with our dog and Best Girl, Lucy.
I have a soft spot for old things, good vegetarian food, and the most ridiculous memes I can find online to send to my siblings.