Therapy is a form of protest.

Kelley Walters, Licensed professional counselor

What if success isn’t what we were told it is?

My background in education and organizational leadership has really shaped how I work with clients. It’s helped me integrate evidence-based practices in a way that’s both practical and thoughtful. My approach is also intentionally liberatory — meaning I don’t just accept traditional models at face value. I actively question them, looking for what truly supports autonomy, equality, and a sense of shame-free fulfillment.

I hold a BA in English, an MA in Creative Writing, and a M.Ed. in Counseling and Development — and yes, I’ve got the student loans to show for it. After earning my MA in English from the University of North Texas in 2007, I spent the next decade teaching college courses and working in both publishing and education.

Then, right around the time I was “supposed” to feel settled, my AuDHD brain kicked in with its signature question: What else could this life hold? So while serving as an assistant principal at a 7–12 grade public school, I went back to grad school and earned my second master’s degree — the first real step toward the work I do now.

When I’m not in session, you can usually find me reading a good mystery series, treasure hunting at thrift stores (especially for clothes), or spending time connecting with my family — at home or wherever the day takes us.

What it’s like to work with me

Studies show that 80% of treatment outcomes depend on the alliance built between a therapist and client. I show up to sessions with the same core personality that shows up everywhere else in my life. Only, you get a bonus—evidence-based treatment methods, a thorough understanding of how our bodies (including our brains) get us through in the best way they know how until we’re ready for something different, and a whole lot of empathy, compassion, and willingness to make space for whatever you need to bring to the room.

Some words that matter to me

Authentic.

Authentic individuals can play various roles in their lives while maintaining a consistent core personality. Whether as a parent, friend, or professional, they remain true to themselves, expressing their genuine beliefs, values, and emotions across different contexts and relationships. Supporting you to show up authentically doesn’t mean I will push you to open up to me before you are ready or commit to a life you don’t want.

Secure.

As a psychotherapist, my work is experiential, not experimental. While I love a good science project, I also love practicing ethically and within the scope of my competence. From walk-and-talk therapy to KAP to adapting EMDR sessions for physical disabilities or neurodiversities, my practices are supported by evidence-based research and grounded in the ethics of my field.

Resourceful.

Strength-based approaches focus on identifying and leveraging your inherent resources (and resilience) rather than solely focusing on deficits or pathology. Resourcefulness empowers communities to collaborate and collectively address challenges to foster resilience against systemic barriers. I can’t change the system, but I can and will challenge it and its impact.

Inclusive.

An inclusive practice prioritizes embraces various therapeutic modalities, incorporating perspectives from different backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. I am responsible for holding space for different perspectives and considering them in my interventions with clients, and my education, training, and licensure do not hold more weight than your lived experience. When therapeutically appropriate, I will challenge maladaptive thinking, but I also accept — and expect — my clients to challenge me.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

I’m committed to continued education & training to best support my clients and my community.

  • Continuous EMDR consultation and ongoing education in application of progressive and relational approaches to intensive EMDR work

  • Ongoing training in clinical application of ketamine/psychedelics as well as integration therapy

  • Specialized learning and lived experiences in neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ populations

  • Member of Texas Counselors for Social Justice, SAIGE, and other professional advocacy organizations

  • Houston Eating Disorder Specialists (HEDS) board member