Kelsey Gao
Kelsey Gao
Personal Statement

Hi there! If you have experienced painful things in your life, such as trauma, abuse, or loss, and you feel like they still have a hold on you, I invite you to join me as we unravel it together. Experiencing things like this can make you question everything in your life, such as what you believe in or even who you are as a person. The things we have experienced throughout our life and the way we were raised have a major impact on the way we see the world, the things that are important to us, and the patterns we find ourselves stuck in. I believe all the different parts of our life are connected, and so coming in to work through even just one specific issue in therapy can positively impact other areas of your life.

I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns, but I’m most drawn to working with individuals who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence. Oftentimes, those who have endured these types of traumas end up struggling with things like setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships (with anyone; friends, family members, romantic partners, etc.). I’m also passionate about working with individuals who are religious/spiritual or who feel their religion/spirituality may have been affected by trauma. I also enjoy working with individuals who have severe and persistent mental illness, as we find that is often the result of relational trauma from early on in childhood. Lastly, I enjoy working with mothers to help navigate the identity shift as well as manage past childhood traumas that may come to the forefront as a result of having children.

In my free time, I enjoy going on a long walk with my dog while listening to an audiobook, crafting for the fun of it, and trying new restaurants around the city with my friends and family.

Treatment Areas and Competencies

Trauma

Sexual Abuse

Domestic Violence

Relationship difficulties

Grief

Loss

Approach to Therapy

I will take the time to get to know you so that I can truly understand who you are as an individual. I work mainly from an attachment informed, psychodynamic approach, which means that we will work together to uncover how your past hurts are affecting your current relationships and the way you live your life today. My work is also culturally informed, meaning that I value your identity and we can talk about how the different parts of your culture are impacting your life.

I’m not gonna lie. It will take time and effort on your part if you want genuine, lasting change in your life. Like most things worth achieving, it may not come easy. But you’re not in this alone. I will also put in the work. My job is to listen and encourage you, be a solid, safe and consistent person, to support you and to sometimes challenge you. And I promise I won’t make you lie on the couch and talk about your mother… unless you want to!

If hearing this feels hopeful and encouraging to you, then I invite you to book an appointment.

Treatment Modalities and Theoretical Orientations

Psychodynamic Therapy

Attachment Theory

Culturally-Informed

Mindfulness-Based

Person-Centered Therapy

Spiritual Integration

Education, Licenses and Certifications

  • Psy.D., Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University
  • M.A., Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University
  • B.S., Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Spanish from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Contact Kelsey

Meet

53 W. Jackson, suite 1615 Chicago 60604

Call

(312) 450-0809

Email

kelsey@pneumachicago.com