What I Do
Trauma Counseling
I utilize EMDR therapy. EMDR Therapy helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. This process involves communication between the amygdala (the alarm signal for stressful events), the hippocampus (which assists with learning, including memories about safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which analyzes and controls behavior and emotion).
Relationship Counseling
In traditional behavioral couple therapy (TBCT), Partner A changes because Partner B wants them to change. This approach can work well with newer couples or when the changes that need to be made are superficial. However, often more established couples or couples with entrenched problems require an integrative approach. Integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) will also involve Partner B modifying his or her emotional reaction to Partner A’s behavior.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach developed by clinical psychologists. It’s all about emphasizing change from within the client. As an MI practitioner, I use my counseling skills, such as open-ended questions and ways to reflect, to evoke what’s called change talk— a conversation about what clients are unhappy about and how they’d like to change. Through an accepting, collaborative, and guiding style, this approach seeks to strengthen the person’s commitment to goals they identify for themselves.
About Me
Hello, I’m Kelly!
I am licensed as an LPC-Supervisor (Texas license #20301) and graduated from the University of Texas-San Antonio with an M.A. in Counseling in 2004. I am a member of American Mensa, and in my spare time, I enjoy time with my family, my Chiweenie dog Timmy, and taking cold water swims at Barton Springs and Deep Eddy.
Featured On
CBS Austin
What People Are Saying
Let's Get Started
Starter Session
Book your starter session now. Self-pay rates are $90 per session.
​
I accept these insurance plans: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford and UHC. Email Kelly at kelly@pedersencounseling.com or click here to book a session.