Hi, I’m Chelsie
As someone who has been a long time participant in alternative culture, I started pursuing art in my higher education but quickly learned I needed to experience life outside of school. My experiences in both mainstream and alternate culture are what influenced my decision to support people as a psychotherapist. I find that my open-mindedness and connection to emotions have been an essential component of my professional development.
I have provided harm reduction services at small and large music events around the world. I continue to work closely with the underground dance community in Los Angeles in managing harm reduction efforts by providing education and safe containers for difficult experiences.
Beliefs & Specializations
As a student of Iyengar yoga for 10 years, I have learned the impact of spiritual practices on self reflection and managing emotions. I’ve also consistently prioritized movement and dance as ways to release tension, trauma and to integrate deep reflective states. I believe it is important to continue to incorporate play in our adult lives as much as permitted.
My work upholds my belief in the need for integration of transpersonal and altered state experiences. I specialize in non-abstinence substance recovery models, non-traditional partnerships and lifestyles, such as ethical non-monogamy & kink. I am certified in both Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Somatic therapy and utilize these from a trauma informed lens.
Training
My formal training in community mental health involved supporting adolescents and their families in navigating the challenges of simply being a teenager coupled with trauma histories, depression, anxiety and substance use. My experience includes working with and supporting families who struggle with socioeconomic and immigration barriers.
Additionally, I trained under Erica Siegal, LCSW CA #86622 at Network of Emotional Support Teams (NEST), a group practice offering psychotherapy and support services with a focus on trauma, integration of altered states and harm reduction education. In my current work with NEST I support adults as they navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, exploration/integration of altered states and varying degrees of intimate partnership dynamics and LGBTQIA issues.
I have recently started training to be a Ketamine assisted psychotherapist.
