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

A woman standing by a metal railing near a body of water in an urban park, with buildings and trees in the background, in black and white.

Kelsey Hawk, MA, LMFT #14981

I am deeply moved by love, justice, and change. I work with clients with kindness, openness, and curiosity, but I can be straightforward when needed and don’t ignore nonsense. I bring my own humanity into therapy, use supportive humor, and trust my clients’ strength and wisdom.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in California, I specialize in trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, identity issues, and life changes. My therapy combines proven techniques with creative arts and different methods, all tailored to each person’s needs.

I create a safe, supportive, and trauma-aware space for healing. My work is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, brain science, polyvagal theory, and understanding trauma across generations. I also draw from mythology, alchemy, ecology, Buddhism, feminist and queer theory, and ideas of freedom and deep self-exploration.

I’m trained to support First Responders and Veterans, especially Women in Fire and LGBTQ First Responders. I am dedicated to helping these groups with care that respects their unique challenges.

How I work
Lets Work Together

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