About Kelly
Kelly Birkhold is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Houston Therapy in Houston, Texas (License: 62858),  with 10 years of clinical experience across inpatient and outpatient settings. She holds a dual master's degree in both social work and marriage and family therapy from the University of Louisville, a unique combination that makes her exceptionally equipped to work with individuals, couples, and families.

Following her graduate training, Kelly was selected for the prestigious post-graduate psychodynamic fellowship at The Menninger Clinic, where she was subsequently hired as a staff clinician. At Menninger, she specialized in individual therapy, couples and family therapy, and group therapy, leading Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Self Compassion groups.

Kelly's training in marriage and family therapy gives her a strong foundation for working with couples (married or pre-marital) and families navigating conflict, communication difficulties, intimacy issues, infidelity, and divorce.

 

My Approach: 

Change is one of the only constants in life , and it is often scary, challenging, and painful. We cling to what we know, which can make even positive changes feel overwhelming. Sometimes this leads to avoiding change to stay "safe," which can be stifling, unsatisfying, and at worst, dangerous.

My approach to therapy is to help you process the changes that life has required of you in the past and is requiring of you now and in the future. In therapy, I look at who you are and have been throughout your lifetime, from childhood until the present, to better understand the belief systems about yourself, others, and the world that may be contributing to unhealthy patterns keeping you stuck.

I draw heavily from a psychodynamic approach, examining early childhood experiences and how they shape our defense profiles, especially in relationships. I also incorporate person-centered, relational, narrative, and emotionally focused approaches, along with DBT skills training and Self Compassion practices.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation to determine whether we'd be a good mutual fit

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Areas of Specialty
Kelly works with individuals, couples, and families on the following:

• Couples therapy (marital and pre-marital)

• Family therapy and conflict

• DBT skills and emotional regulation

• Life transitions and change

• Depression and anxiety

• Trauma and PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Perinatal mental health

• Self-compassion and self-esteem

• Communication and intimacy issues

• Divorce and relationship transitions

 

Trainings

• Comprehensive DBT Training (2018)

• Radically Open DBT Training (2018)

• Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (2020)

• Perinatal Mood and Mental Health Training (2022)

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Fees

Individual therapy (50 minutes): $210
Couples/family therapy (50 minutes): $225

Free 15-minute consultation available

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Houston Therapy does not accept insurance. Reduced-fee slots available for qualifying clients. In-person sessions available in Houston; telehealth available for Texas residents.