ABOUT
About Kelsey
Kelsey has been a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers since 2016. With over a decade of experience in social services and a specific focus on Psychotherapy since 2016, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. Kelsey earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Lakehead University and her Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University.
Kelsey's dedication is deeply rooted in her home community of Haliburton County, where she strives to make a positive impact at various levels, from communities to families and individuals. Kelsey's recent nomination for the 'Young Professional of the Year' award at the Haliburton Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala serves as additional motivation, fueling her commitment to making a meaningful impact within the community.
Beyond the therapy office, you can often find Kelsey spending quality time with her family and friends, participating in local events, working out at the gym, or indulging her passion for travel, always planning her next adventure.
Guiding Values
At Kelsey Sharpless Counselling, everyone is not just welcome, but encouraged to explore their unique self. I believe in creating a non-judgmental and inclusive space where all are embraced, regardless of their background, experiences, or circumstances. Mutual respect and collaboration are the cornerstones of our work together.
I firmly hold the belief that you are the expert on your own life. My role is that of a facilitator, guiding our conversation with insightful questions, while you come to your own realizations, conclusions, and ideas. We can engage in open and honest dialogues about a wide range of topics, and I genuinely welcome all of your thoughts and perspectives.
Your feedback is invaluable to me. I'm always eager to learn how I can better listen, understand, and support you. Together, we can foster an environment of trust and growth, where you can explore your true self and find the solutions you seek. Your journey is important, and I'm here to walk it with you.
You will find Kelsey’s approach to be warm, welcoming and non-judgemental. Kelsey prides herself on her collaborative style of therapy where clients are truly the expert on their own lived experience and storytelling, and as the therapist it is her role to help with processing, reflecting and making meaning of client experiences; which often leads to change, growth or new understandings.
Kelsey’s therapeutic style is a solid mix of the art and science of therapy. You will find her to be professional yet casual where she uses client-friendly language while weaving in higher-level concepts from the various therapeutic models that she is trained in. Clients find Kelsey to be fiercely empathetic and validating, while also holding them accountable to their goals.
Attachment theory is a key tenant in Kelsey’s therapeutic approach. Kelsey’s experience helps her support clients with broadening their understanding about how early childhood experiences shape the way they see the world, how they see themselves and how they interact in relationships.
Kelsey also considers herself to be an eclectic therapist in that she doesn’t just stick to one therapeutic approach; her expertise allows her to reflect on and access a library of stored information in her brain and apply different models and approaches based on what the client is presenting with. Kelsey is a trauma- informed therapist who weaves in elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Play Therapy. A commitment to anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQ+ informed practice is of utmost importance at Kelsey Sharpless Counselling.