Kelsey Ellingson Watson, MS, NCC, LMHC
Clinician
She/Her

Therapy changes how we relate to ourselves and the world. As we sort through questions about our own life—identities, roles, expectations—we naturally begin to question how we learned what we know. Therapy can help us deconstruct the beliefs, patterns, and dynamics that we’ve inherited, and can help us make conscious choices about which legacies we want to continue living out. 

While this experience can be painful, it can also be energizing and empowering. (And if the sarcasm, profanity, and general goofiness that creeps into our sessions is any indication—it may occasionally be fun.) As a fellow traveler, I appreciate the tension between who we think we “should” be and who we are. When we are safe enough to move toward the pull of our authentic selves, it’s amazing to see what happens next. 

As someone who holds multiple privileged identities, I approach my work with folks who hold marginalized identities with great humility. I am dedicated to the continued personal learning and decolonization of my practice. I trust your expertise on you and your lived experience. Period. 

I do my best work with folks who want to deeply engage in their own process. My areas of clinical interest or specialty are:

  • LGBTQIA+ adults

  • LGBTQIA+ youth (15+), especially trans and non-binary youth

  • Parents of LGBTQIA+ individuals

  • Gender affirming care

  • Neurodivergent individuals

  • Gifted and highly sensitive

  • Disability and chronic illness

  • Trauma/EMDR

  • Women’s issues

Education: I received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2018. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2014 at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Background: I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, crisis work, and college counseling, while staying focused on meeting the unique needs of women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. I am deeply drawn toward intersectional identity work and the dismantling of systems that perpetuate oppression.

Beyond Therapy: When I’m not working, I love hiking, reading, paddle boarding, watching scary movies, and getting lost in thought while physically in nature. Being relatively new to the PNW, I am continuously amazed by the beauty of this area and am thankful for nature’s ability to provide healing and grounding. As a self-described lifelong learner, I am energized by thought-provoking and challenging conversations. I also recognize the needs for love and playfulness, finding these through time spent with my wonderful dog and cherished loved ones.

Credential: LH61098487