My name is Ana Kelley.
I have all the credentials required to prove I know what I’m doing, but what’s more interesting and worth your while to know is what makes me different from every other therapist who also has letters behind their name. What’s so special about me?
At one time that would have been a very hard question to answer. What I’ve learned though, is that what is special about me is the same thing I value about the clients with whom I work. I am a real, genuine person, fighting bravely every day to be better. I won’t pretend to be some expert who’s going to tell you how to fix yourself. In fact, I don’t think you need fixing.
I’ve been through trauma and went to years of therapy that, well, just didn’t help. I was told that my thoughts were irrational, which I already knew. My brain knew what to do, but my heart couldn’t get on board. There was something deep inside me that was causing a physical response that I felt I had no control over. Because of this, I kept searching for answers. I finally found healing and I want to help people like me who have tried all the things. You are not broken. You are not doomed to live like this forever.
Let’s face it. We were lied to.
We were told that it was our fault that they were angry. That if we did a better job, they would be proud of us. That if we looked prettier, they would like us. The list goes ON. I learned these things too. I learned to take responsibility for shit that wasn’t mine. I learned that what I “should” do in my mind was based off of others’ expectations of me, not led by my own values. I spent way too much time stuck in that place of “never enough.” I never belonged there, and neither do you.
As a therapist, what you can expect from me is for me to sit with you through the discomfort as we explore the lies that you were taught, the baggage you were forced to carry, and the wounds that never healed. Phew, it’s hard work, but it’s worth it.
Okay, okay… But I still need to see the credentials.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Clemson University and then went on to get my Master of Arts and Educational Specialist Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Gardner-Webb University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in South Carolina, meaning that I supervise other therapists who are in the process of completing the required hours for licensure.
It’s funny because degrees sound fancy, but the majority of what I’ve learned happened after grad school. School gives us the basic skills and knowledge required to be a good therapist, but it’s the experience, hunger for more understanding, and compassion for helping our clients that leads to the real growth after grad school.
I have since studied many evidence based models but the ones that I’ve really felt most beneficial to my work are Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, and Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals and couples.
My Beliefs
For the past 10+ years, I have been learning and practicing this art they call “counseling” or “therapy.” There are a few things I’ve come to believe that I think are important for you to know about me.
- People are so much more than their symptoms. Symptoms are just our bodies communicating something to us. I don’t believe in pathologizing people for how they survived shitty situations.
- Mental health is often times influenced by the health of your relationships or your physical self (what you eat, medical conditions, hormones, lifestyle, etc.). If it seems there is an underlying issue playing a role in your symptoms, I may refer you to a holistic provider and work collaboratively with them to give you the best care.
- Every part of who you are has helped you in some way, even if you don’t understand. Every part is valuable and deserves to be heard and respected.
Let’s connect.
If you’re like me, you have already tried everything you can to feel better, and if you’re here, you’re ready for change. You don’t want to waste your time meeting with therapist after therapist re-sharing your story. You want to find the person who can actually help and get to work.
I offer free 15 minute phone consultations. It allows you a time to ask questions and see if you think we’d be a good fit. I know that choosing a therapist is something you take very seriously and I want to honor and support that. You can reach out to me by filling out the contact form here or you can email me at anakelley@nextgenerationcounseling.com.