Conversations with Kelly Albers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Albers.

Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My path to becoming a therapist started back in 2015 when I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and a specialization in Play Therapy.

While in graduate school, I held a graduate assistant position as the Peer Educator Coordinator with the university’s counseling center. It was in this role that my passion for mental health advocacy developed. I led a team of student volunteers to provide mental health education to college students as well as reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

I always had a passion for working with children so I started my career as a therapist at a residential treatment center for children and adolescents ages 8-17. This was a great learning experience for me as a new therapist in a high-intensity environment. I then relocated to Denver where I took a break from the field and worked as a nanny while I reflected on what my next steps as a therapist would be.

A big part of my story revolves around my desire to have children and raise a family. However, while working as a nanny, I experienced infertility and pregnancy loss. My experiences with grief and loss ultimately led me back into the counseling profession as I knew I could have a positive impact on so many others who may be feeling isolated during their journeys.

Infertility, pregnancy loss, and grief are often not talked about openly yet they have significant impacts on mental health. It is because of this that in addition to receiving training on counseling individuals and couples navigating infertility and pregnancy loss, I also strive to raise awareness and advocate for these communities. I currently lead process groups with a national non-profit organization, Uniquely Knitted, that emphasizes the importance of community and mental health support for those experiencing infertility.

With a special interest in trauma, I pursued training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). It is through these modalities that I have been able to witness such powerful healing and long-lasting changes. I feel honored to support my clients on their journey while holding a safe space for them to process through challenging experiences.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road! Never did I imagine the career path that I have taken as a result of my own challenging experiences. It is through my painful journey of grief that I have become the therapist that I am.

While I don’t think I will ever say I am glad to have gone through infertility and pregnancy loss, I feel empowered to use my voice, knowledge, and training to provide much-needed support to those who are struggling. I truly believe that I am a better therapist having lived through grief and can empathize with clients on a much deeper level.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work as a clinical therapist with My Denver Therapy, one of the largest woman-owned practices in Colorado. I work alongside other wonderful therapists to provide mental health services to people of all ages and backgrounds in the Denver Metro area.

We are a trauma-focused practice with many providers trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) among many other specialties. I specialize in grief and loss, trauma, infertility, life transitions, anxiety, and depression.

I am most proud of the team of therapists I work alongside to provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of our community.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice would be to connect with other professionals who have similar interests and specialties to learn from.

Most importantly though, I would say find a community of support. Being a therapist/helper in this world can be very challenging. It’s important to feel cared for and supported by people in your life while doing this work.

Pricing:

• $120 for individuals
• $140 for couples
• $500 for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
• I also offer sliding-scale appointments.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mydenvertherapy.com

Image Credits
Courtneyrose Chung, My Denver Therapy, Doug Brown, and Uniquely Knitted