Kelly Drake

Welcome to my agency STRIVE. My colleague and I have over 25 years of therapy experience understanding the thread of developmental trauma, working to connect this thread, untie the knots, and re-thread the needle of a new path for an improved life journey. My understanding of developmental trauma began as a daughter growing up with a VietNam Veteran. This path would eventually lead me to chose a minor in childhood development, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and eventually a Masters degree in Social Work. I began my career with a passion for helping children with severe mental health diagnosis in many community mental health agencies over 15 years. It was with honor for my father, and our country that I began another personal path and joined the Army at age 37 helping Soldiers with trauma in the military. The early understanding of childhood family dynamics and trauma created empathy towards my Soldiers who were often exposed to abuse, cultural and gender difficulties, political, racial, and sexual difficulties. I have come full circle with continued understanding of the interactions of genetics and environment that cause health and mental health misdiagnosis. I continue to serve in the Army Reserves and believe there is a better way rather than just surviving, I started this practice to support this idealism and hope to help others with what this means in their own lives.

I am human with limitations and strengths. I will treat everyone with this same respect and understanding. I will validate reported experience. I will not type in front of you, and will be flexible with pricing, scheduling, and cancellation policies.

I offer foundational commitment to understanding how trauma impacts daily life, and how to change it rather than living in survival. Clients will take away an understanding of the process from the first phone call, initial intake, and treatment planning.