Kelsey Hawk, MA
LPCC, LMFT, LPC, CADC-II

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor, and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in California and a Licensed Telehealth Professional Clinical Counselor in Idaho; one might say I am an over achiever—but don’t worry, It doesn’t ever come off that way when I work with clients! I grew up playing outside, riding horses, and getting hurt doing silly things. To this day, I’d rather have my hands dirty than my nails done. I am easily annoyed by the internet and social media; I love to camp, travel, read, and learn. A healthy mix of realist and optimist, extraordinarily passionate, and a person that will fight for my people.

I am driven by a steadfast commitment to love, justice, and a hardened belief in the possibility of transformation. In my clinical practice I engage with clients with directness, respect, and a clear focus—balancing kindness and openness with a firm stance against anything that doesn’t serve their growth. I bring my full humanity to therapy, incorporating grounded humor and an unwavering trust in my clients’ resilience, wisdom, and insight. That said, I will call out BS as I see it and my face will share my thoughts.

In my clinical work, I specialize in the treatment of trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, identity challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is grounded in psychodynamic theory and in practice is you-centered. My primary style in session is non-directive, meaning you bring in what is going on and I ask questions to pull the strings together. I also have lots of worksheets, if needed, but those typically go away after our 4th session.

I provide a strong, secure, and trauma-informed environment where healing can take root. My work is anchored in psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, neuroscience, liberation psychology, polyvagal theory, and a deep understanding of trauma’s impact across generations. I also integrate insights from mythology, folklore, ecology, Buddhism, and spiritual practices alongside principles of freedom and profound self-exploration.

I am trained to support First Responders and Veterans, with a focus on Women in Fire and LGBTQ First Responders. I’m committed to delivering care that honors their unique experiences while empowering their strength and resilience in a culturally competent manner.

How I work
Ask me Anything

Dedicated to finding meaning and purpose
in life & a firm believer that
change is possible.

Education & Training

Graduate. Pacifica Graduate Institute. Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology.

Undergraduate. School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Art History, Theory, and Criticism.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Advanced Certificate in Ecotherapy | Pacifica Graduate Institute

  • Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training | Institute for Creative Mindfulness, EMDRIA-approved

  • Certified First Responder Counselor Training | The Academy Hour

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certification Training | Evergreen Certification Training

  • Advanced Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor | California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals

  • Certificate in Experiential Art Therapy | Metafora School of Art Therapy

  • Ascending Spiral Paths: An Integrated Approach to Understanding Personality Development Using Jungian and Psychoanalytic Theory | Presented by Dr. Matthew Bennett, Community Institute of Psychotherapy

  • Understanding the Fire Service for Mental Health Clinicians | International Association of Fire Fighters

  • Advancing Suicide Prevention and Clinical Management for Diverse Clientele | Community Connections, Palo Alto University

  • Dyadic Assessment and Intervention with the Zero to Five Population | Presented by Dr. Barbara Stroud, Ventura County Behavioral Health

  • PTSD and Complex PTSD Training | Presented by Dr. Gabriella Grant, California Center for Excellence for Trauma Informed Care

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Relapse Prevention Strategies Training | UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs

  • Certificate in Addiction Studies | SC School of Addiction Studies

  • Introductory Certificate, Art Therapy | Metafora School of Art Therapy

  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention | Crisis Prevention Institute - NE881646

  • safeTALK Suicide Alertness for Everyone | LivingWorks Education

  • Sexual Assault Counselor Advocate Training | Strength United | California State University, Northridge

  • Sexual Assault Crisis and Medical Volunteer Training | Resilience Training Institute