Kelsey Middleton, MA, LPCC, ATR-P

The human experience inherently holds a vast range of emotion. Elements of joy, love, and gratitude, as well as pain, heartache, and frustration are innate to being conscious and alive.  I find, that the gift of the therapy, is how it connects us more deeply to these complexities of life.  With compassion and non-judgement, therapy offers an exploration to more lovingly relate to this ever-changing, ever-revealing range of our human, inter-connected experience.

As a therapist, it is my intention to support people in connecting to the fullness of themselves and develop compassion for their complexities. I offer a variety of therapeutic modalities including mindfulness, somatic awareness, nature-connection, and art-based experiences. I hold a trauma-informed lens, and also have a deep appreciation for how society, our upbringing, and our relationships shape us. Through this blend of therapeutic approaches, I aim to explore the vastness of the human spirit and compassionately tend to the pain. I believe in a path of healing that is ultimately, both tender and empowering.

As an art therapist, I am continually moved by the way creativity reveals insight, depth, and expression. Art therapy allows us to tap into the grand unconscious of our inner world, bringing consciousness into the light. While I offer plenty of space for talking and reflection, the practice of creating images through various materials allows for new insights to emerge. It leads to a better understanding of ourselves, how we view the world, our past experiences, and our vast potential to grow. I would love to weave creative expression into your journey and tap into the creative spirit that lives within you.

Somatic awareness is also inherently woven into the creative processes, so in my work, those two are often paired together. Trauma, inner knowing, and felt senses are all experienced within the body so it is crucial to incorporate somatic practices into therapy. Mind-body-creative spirit connection is central to my work. 

As an eco-based art therapist, I also offer creative experiences outdoors as I hold sessions in parks and on trails. My eclectic use of materials includes everything from classic art supplies, to re-used and recycled items, to natural materials collected when meeting outside. Building our relationship with nature, who is ever wise, loving, and filled with metaphor, provides a sacred harmony to working creatively and within the body.

Outside of my professional work, I like to make all kinds of art, play music, go backpacking, and dance. I regularly enjoy cooking homemade meals and love a good thrift store. I am a white, cisgendered, able-bodied woman who is claiming queerness later in life who welcomes your identities, who you are, and where you come from.

I hope to hear from you and walk side by side, in your therapeutic journey!