Kelly Phipps

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University. My professional background has largely been in community behavioral health, where I've spent years working with individuals experiencing serious mental illness as well as people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life stress. I've worked across different parts of the behavioral health system - including clinical and leadership roles - which has given me a broad understanding of how mental health challenges show up in real life, not just in theory.

Because of that experience, I approach therapy from a holistic and systems-oriented perspective. Our mental health is shaped by far more than what's happening internally. Relationships, work stress, family dynamics, physical health, and the larger systems we interact with every day can all play a role in how we feel and function.

My style tends to be warm, collaborative, and often a little humorous. Therapy is important work, but it doesn't have to feel overly stiff or clinical. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being honest about what's going on while also gaining insight, perspective, and practical ways to move forward.

My approach to therapy is holistic, collaborative, and rooted in understanding the broader context of a person's life. While therapy often focuses on thoughts and emotions, I believe it's equally important to look at the systems and environments that shape our daily experiences - relationships, work stress, family roles, social expectations, and other external pressures that can influence mental health.

Because of this, our work together may involve both reflection and education. I often help clients understand the "why" behind their patterns - why certain reactions show up, why particular situations feel overwhelming, and how past experiences or current stressors may be influencing the present. When people understand what is happening beneath the surface, it becomes much easier to make meaningful changes.

I draw from several evidence-based approaches depending on the needs of the person in front of me, but I don't believe therapy should feel rigid or formulaic. Instead, I aim to create a thoughtful and supportive space where we can explore what's happening in your life, identify patterns that may no longer be serving you, and develop ways to move forward.

At its core, my goal is to help clients build greater awareness, self-understanding, and resilience so they can navigate life with more clarity and confidence.

The first session is primarily about getting to know each other and beginning to understand what's bringing you to therapy. I'll ask questions about what's been going on in your life, what challenges you've been experiencing, and what you're hoping might change or improve through therapy.

You don't need to come in with everything perfectly explained or organized. Many people start therapy feeling unsure where to begin, and that is completely normal. My job is to help guide the conversation and create a space where you can talk openly without feeling rushed or judged.

I also want the first session to be an opportunity for you to get a sense of me and decide if I feel like a good fit for you. Therapy works best when there is a sense of trust and comfort, so there is absolutely space for you to ask questions about my approach or what working together might look like.

By the end of our first session, most clients leave with a clearer understanding of what they're experiencing and some initial ideas about what our work together might focus on.