Kelsey Thomas Psychotherapy


"Combining practical tools, acceptance, self-exploration, and compassion—all guided by an easygoing approach from a therapist who gets it."

Well, Hello!


Welcome to Kelsey Thomas Psychotherapy

I'm Glad You’re Here—Let’s Explore What’s Possible

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or simply stuck, there’s a space here for you to feel supported. I provide virtual individual therapy services to adults (18+) living in Ontario, offering a flexible and accessible way to prioritize your mental health, put your needs first, and explore ways to better manage your well-being—all from the comfort of your own space.

Whether you're managing ADHD, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, or navigating life transitions, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll clarify your wants, needs, and values, uncover what’s holding you back, and work toward meaningful change by exploring actionable steps, techniques, and strategies. And most importantly, underlying all this will be a focus on our therapeutic relationship; because although practical tools are important, it’s often the genuine connection between us—built on trust, collaboration, and respect—that fosters healing, creates lasting change, and helps you feel truly supported.

Get started by exploring my website to learn more, booking a consultation, or connecting with me via email.


Are you experiencing...?

  • Anxiety (incl. overthinking/overanalyzing, avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, or spending a lot of time in your head)

  • ADHD (incl. emotion regulation difficulties, struggles with task initiation, or impulsivity)

  • Perfectionism

  • Self-judgment/Self-criticism

  • A difficult life transition (think: bad break up, starting post-secondary school, or moving back in with your parents)

  • Relationship issues

  • Stress or overwhelm

  • Low self-esteem

  • Burnout (professional, personal, or the neurodivergent variety)

  • A lack of social support

  • A desire for increased wellness or self-growth

  • A desire to develop greater self-understanding (incl. greater insight in the “whys” of your behaviours and patterns)

...Then you're in the right place.

We may be a good fit if...

You're looking for present-centered therapy that focuses on managing experiences you are having in the here and now.

You dislike highly structured therapy sessions + prefer a more flexible and conversational approach.

You want to discuss daily life experiences, deepen your self-understanding, learn new coping strategies, or explore a mix of all three.

You’re looking for a therapist who’ll make you feel at ease but isn’t afraid to gently nudge you toward the growth you’re looking for.


Want to Get Started?

Let's dive in!

Here is some guidance on where to begin.

First, I recommend reading more about me, who I work with, how I approach therapy, and what modalities I use. This will help you to get an initial sense of whether or not I'm what you are looking for in a therapist.From here, it's useful to explore the services I offer and start thinking about what options you are interested in.If you still have some lingering questions, you can browse my FAQ or send me an email.If you feel ready to book something, you can reach out to me via email or schedule a consultation on my booking site.

From here, the therapy process will generally follow 4 steps;

You can read more about these steps below.


The Process

Book a complimentary consultation or a full-length session.

You can do this by reaching out to me through email or by accessing my booking site.

Have a first session (called an intake session).

This will feel more "interview-like", as I'll ask a lot of questions in order to get a general understanding of 'you'. We will also go over ethical considerations, discuss my policies, and set some goals together.

Have ongoing
sessions.

These may be weekly, bi-weekly, or some other variation that works for you. These sessions may sometimes focus on learning new skills or coping strategies, while others may involve more processing or exploration.

Have check ins and explore your progress.

We will reassess and set new goals as needed. Eventually, if you decide to end our time together we will have a termination session, during which we will review your progress and create a maintenance plan.


Meet Kelsey

Nice to Meet You!

I'm Kelsey and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist who provides virtual psychotherapy services to those living in Ontario.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. I was passionate not only about being in a helping profession but also about working with people who had experienced challenges I was familiar with—like anxiety, low mood, and a variety of other experiences that I would later find out were all a part of ADHD.To start, I earned my BA (Hons.) in Psychology from King’s University College at Western University in London, Ontario. During my undergraduate studies, I completed two research projects that profoundly shaped my development as a therapist. These experiences taught me the importance of holding space for people’s stories, embracing curiosity, and noticing patterns and recurring themes. On a more practical level, I gained insights into topics such as death and dying, resettlement experiences of refugees, and the many paths that exist to well-being, as well as a deep appreciation for both the importance and value of evidence-based practices.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. During the practicum portion of my studies, I provided pro-bono virtual support to a wide range of adults facing various challenges. This experience not only allowed me to work with a diverse population and address a variety of clinical issues but also reinforced the importance of offering each client a unique and tailored approach to therapy. These experiences laid the foundation for the flexible and individualized way I now work with clients.

In 2023, after earning my master’s degree, I opened Kelsey Thomas Psychotherapy. Starting my private practice was a significant milestone for me, as it allowed me to make the therapy I provide as accessible as possible by offering online appointment scheduling, flexible session lengths, varied availability, and the option of video call or telephone sessions. In addition to prioritizing accessibility, I’m also highly committed to lifelong learning. Continuing education is fundamental to my work, and I regularly engage in additional training, attend webinars, dive into self-directed study (I do a lot of reading!), and consult with peers to continually expand my knowledge and skills. You can read more about my approach to therapy here.Outside of work, I enjoy playing video games, crafting, watching anime, reading, spending time with my pet cat and bird, connecting with the people I love, and making to do lists.

I’m currently accepting new clients and would love to connect! To schedule an initial consultation or session, reach out to me via email or click here to access my booking site.


My Approach to Therapy

First and foremost, I bring both a knowledgeable and easygoing approach to therapy. I aim to provide clients with a mix of process-based work (e.g., making connections, noticing patterns, identifying and exploring emotions or thought processes, developing self-understanding or insight, and discussing issues in a safe space) and practice-based work (e.g., learning new skills, problem-solving current challenges, and completing structured interventions). This approach leaves you with both topics to reflect on between sessions as well as practical skills to apply in your daily life.Additionally, I frequently ask for permission before offering thoughts or gently challenging you and check in regularly to ensure my understanding of your experiences is accurate (while also providing plenty of opportunities for you to correct my understanding if it isn’t). I also provide transparent insights into my thoughts, as well as the various directions or approaches I feel we might take in order to create frequent opportunities for collaborative exploration and decision making.

By working in this way, my goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. I know, I know—you’ve probably read countless therapist profiles emphasizing the importance of a solid therapeutic relationship. While it might feel cliché, I promise it truly is essential. Without first creating this foundation of trust and comfort, it would feel unfair to ask you to commit to trying potentially uncomfortable experiences or talk about things that feel scary, anxiety-inducing, traumatic, or deeply important to you.Overall, I would describe my therapeutic style as very genuine. I’m a human first and a therapist second in my work with clients. I use humor and the occasional curse word, offer honest reactions with real facial expressions (and lots of talking with my hands), and do my best to cultivate a sense of ease and comfort in our sessions. I believe showing up authentically helps create a space where you feel safe to do the same—so feel free to stumble over your words or be imprecise, bring fidget toys or comfort items to sessions, take your time gathering your thoughts, give feedback about what is or isn’t working for you, or let your unbridled emotions show up.


"No stuffy attitude, emotionless reactions, or judgmental remarks found here."

Modalities


Typically I use an integrated approach, which draws on a combination of the following modalities and frameworks:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is my primary therapeutic approach, and I use it with most—if not all—of my clients in some way. At its core, ACT is about helping you identify what truly matters to you and how you want to show up in your life. From there, we work together to address how your thoughts and emotions might be getting in the way of living in alignment with your values.

This approach focuses on shifting your relationship with your thoughts and feelings so they feel less overwhelming or in control. Instead of pushing difficult thoughts and emotions away or trying to eliminate them, ACT encourages building acceptance toward them. This allows you to focus more on the present moment and engage in meaningful actions that align with your values.

In practice, this often involves setting clear, behaviour-based goals and trying out practical exercises both during and outside of sessions.

Relational therapy is another key approach I use with all my clients. This modality emphasizes the therapeutic relationship itself as a powerful tool for gaining insight into your patterns in relationships. Often, this includes exploring your attachment style (e.g., secure, anxious, avoidant) to better understand how past and present experiences shape the way you connect with others.

A primary goal of relational therapy is to create a safe, supportive therapeutic alliance where you can experience a positive, healthy relationship dynamic. This experience can help you develop a deeper awareness of both the positive and challenging aspects of your relationships outside of therapy, offering valuable opportunities for reflection and change.

Solution-Focused Therapy is a present-focused approach that emphasizes exploring solutions rather than delving deeply into the problem or its origins. This modality can be particularly helpful for people who feel they’ve already processed or understand the “why” behind their thoughts, behaviors, or triggers. It’s also a great fit for those who prefer to stay oriented toward the future and focus on creating changes in their lives.

In practice, this approach often involves identifying strengths and resources you already have, setting clear, achievable goals, and building actionable steps to move forward.

Person-Centered Therapy encompasses many of the essential elements of effective therapy. This approach emphasizes identifying your strengths, fostering hope, and providing validation while practicing respect, empathy, and genuineness. At its core, it positions you as the expert on your own life, with the therapist acting as a supportive guide.

I integrate person-centered elements into my work with every client, although I rarely use it as a standalone approach. This modality creates a nonjudgmental and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace, empowering you to take ownership of your personal growth.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an approach I draw from as needed, focusing on practical skills to use outside of sessions. These skills can be especially helpful for managing relationship and communication challenges, intense anxiety, and emotional regulation difficulties. I also incorporate some (but not all) concepts from DBT, such as acceptance and mindfulness, to support clients in building resilience and staying present.

Biopsychosocial, Feminist, and Anti-Oppressive practices form an important foundation of my therapeutic approach. While I cannot treat or “solve” biological, social, systemic, or cultural issues, exploring, acknowledging, and addressing how these factors may be influencing your experiences or goals is a key part of our work together.

Ultimately, I am not the expert on your life or identities—you are. This collaborative stance shapes how I approach sessions, creating space for your lived experiences to guide the therapeutic process. These practices also emphasize the importance of equity, empowerment, and challenging oppressive systems that may impact mental health.

A neurodivergent lens is central to my work with clients who identify as neurodivergent, regardless of whether you have a formal diagnosis of ADHD or Autism or simply recognize that you fit the criteria. When working with neurodivergent clients, I provide psychoeducation, emphasize normalizing and validating neurodivergent experiences, and focus on leveraging strengths, fostering acceptance, and developing helpful coping strategies that are informed by an understanding of how a neurodivergent nervous system is motivated. This approach prioritizes working with, rather than against, the unchangeable aspects of neurodivergence.

Additionally, I aim to create a therapeutic space that challenges stigma and supports you in navigating a world that often misunderstands neurodivergent experiences. .


Services and Fees

To best meet your needs, I provide a few different session options:

Consultations

Complimentary 15–20 minute phone consultations are available to help you decide if I’m the right fit for you and your therapy goals. During a consultation call, you can ask questions, share a bit about yourself and your therapy goals, and learn more about my approach. While not mandatory, consultations can be a helpful starting point for getting a sense of what working together might look like. Although 15 minutes goes by quickly and can’t fully determine our compatibility, it offers an opportunity to explore whether my approach feels aligned with what you’re looking for.

Individual Sessions

50-Minute Session ($140)

A standard therapy session is 50 minutes long and works well for most people. This length typically provides enough time to focus on one or two topics, explore potential coping mechanisms or skills (if relevant), identify any work to be done between sessions (such as practicing skills, reflecting on topics discussed, or working toward specific goals), and set a direction for the next session. Please note that first sessions, also called intake appointments, are always 50 minutes.

80-Minute Session ($170)

Extended sessions, lasting 80 minutes, are ideal for those who have tried 50-minute sessions but feel that the standard sessions do not provide enough time to explore and discuss topics in enough depth. This option may suit those who prefer less frequent therapy (for financial or other reasons), for those that need more time to process their thoughts and feelings when in session, or for those who want the flexibility to explore multiple topics in a session.

Phone Session

Phone sessions are a great option for those who want to start virtual therapy but feel uncomfortable with video sessions, whether due to discomfort seeing themselves on screen or being seen by someone else. They can also work well for individuals with less privacy or flexibility in choosing a location for their sessions, as phone sessions don’t require internet access and can be conducted from places like a parked car. Clients opting for this format will receive a call at their scheduled appointment time from a private number.

Video Call Session

Video call sessions are ideal for those who prefer a more “traditional” therapy experience while enjoying the convenience of being at home. Unlike phone sessions, video calls allow for more nuanced non-verbal communication and are sometimes better suited for certain therapeutic interventions. All video call sessions are conducted through a secure, encrypted platform. Clients opting for this format will receive an email with a session link 30 minutes before their appointment.


Contact

Have a question? Want to get started with booking a consultation or a session? Feel free to reach out via this contact form or email me directly at:

[email protected]

Please note: Occasionally, my email responses may land in your spam or junk folder—be sure to check there if you haven’t received a reply.

Frequently Asked Questions


Therapy FAQs

First, nervousness, fear, anxiety, excitement, impatience, hope, and relief are all common experiences to have when starting therapy (especially if this is your first time). If these feelings are really intense, feel free to communicate this over email, in a consultation, or at the beginning of our intake session. That way, we can be on the same page regarding what you are experiencing and can make time to discuss and explore it during our first session together.

Second guessing your ‘problems’ or reasons for attending therapy is also common. Let’s consider this: you are thinking about starting therapy because some part of you feels it would be helpful.

Ultimately, if you feel you will gain something from connecting with another person in a way that will make you feel heard and genuinely cared for, as well as have a space to process and reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, then therapy may be beneficial—regardless of the specific content you are bringing into sessions.

The biggest difference is that we aren’t in the same room together. This physical distance may be more comfortable for many clients. Talking through a screen or phone involves less intrusive eye contact, which may be a preference for some people, and not being in the same room can feel less emotionally intense. You can also bring snacks, wear PJs, or have your pet next to you, all of which may create more comfort and safety during our sessions. Additionally, you can often better attend to your own needs during sessions at home, which may be particularly helpful if you have unique sensory needs or chronic pain/illness.

Virtual sessions are also often more convenient. You don’t have to drive anywhere, manage traffic, or worry about parking, making it easier to schedule into your day.

As with any type of therapy, there are drawbacks and benefits to consider, all of which are outlined in my consent procedures. If you have any questions or concerns about virtual sessions, I’m happy to discuss them during a consultation.

I’m not able to provide a specific number of sessions needed, as this varies hugely between clients and depends widely on your presenting issue, as well as your hopes and goals for therapy. For example, those looking to develop specific coping skills may feel that they've achieved their goals after 10-15 sessions, while those looking to navigate long-term experiences of self-criticism and perfection may take much longer. Keyword: may!

Furthermore, some people engage in therapy for ongoing reasons (e.g., as a form of social support or self-care), and therefore may attend therapy for a longer duration.

Although I’m not able to provide a specific number of sessions needed, I’m happy to discuss this topic further in a consultation.

As of Fall 2024, I'm accepting new clients! Currently, I have day time and evening availability Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Please note that this is a general guideline and is subject to change. If you have specific concerns or question about availability, including whether or not our schedules will align, feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

I currently accept payment through credit card (Visa Debit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) as well as e-transfer.

I’m not able to direct bill insurance at this time; however, I provide receipts after each appointment, which you can submit for reimbursement if you have insurance coverage.

Because insurance policies vary widely, I recommend reviewing your policy or contacting your insurance company to verify your coverage before booking a session.



TL;DR

  • Qualifications: BA (hons.), MACP, Registered Psychotherapist with CRPO

  • About me: Always knew I wanted to work in mental health; have faced my own mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD; my educational and training experiences have informed my open, curious, and individualized approach to therapy

  • Experiences I work with: ADHD, anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, stress, burnout, life transitions, depression, relationship issues, as well as desire for social support, self-growth, and insight

  • Modalities I use: I integrate ACT, Relational Therapy, SFBT, DBT skills, Person-Centered Therapy, self-compassion and mindfulness into my work; I prefer to blend process-based and practice-based approaches

  • I prioritize: accessible care, a sense of comfort and ease, a strong therapeutic relationship, open communication, humor, transparency, ongoing learning and training, ethical practice, a recognition of both cultural and systemic factors on client experiences

  • What you can expect: I'm a human first, therapist second; a kind, genuine, non-stuffy approach with real reactions and responses

  • Services: I offer 50- and 80-minute sessions ($140 and $170, respectively); sessions can be conducted via the telephone or through a secure video call


Now Accepting New Clients

Get in Touch

Providing virtual psychotherapy services to those 18+ across Ontario.

All contents © 2024All nature photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash


Email: [email protected] || Phone (calls only): (226) 270-3087