Kelsey Weissburg
Therapist
Clinical Social Worker
Hi, I'm Kelsey. I help people find inner peace and confidence.
On the outside, people may see you as confident and calm, as a go-to person whenever someone is in need. But on the inside, there might be times you experience feelings of shame and pressure. If this sounds like you, I am here to help.
My clients are self-reflective, driven individuals. They put so much thought into how they show up in relationships that they’re left wondering: “What else can I possibly do?” This feeling of uneasiness comes from a sense that love and support - while available - are not enough. And that creates anxiety.
Imagine how freeing it would feel to become a kind and gentle observer to your intense feelings. Prove to yourself that you are more than your thoughts and emotions, while still honoring them as they show up. It might sound impossible. But it is possible when you practice acceptance and letting go of what is outside of your control.
I specialize in helping people who long for confidence and peace but feel like anxiety keeps getting in the way. There’s likely a reason you’re struggling now, and I am here to help you in your self-discovery journey.
As someone who identifies as an empath, I know how hard it can be to balance caring for others while prioritizing self-care. The art of balance is ever-evolving, and you are the expert on yourself. Together, we will illuminate your inner wisdom. You can expect a space for deep reflection to understand yourself and your relationships better.
Being vulnerable is hard work and takes time. I am here to support you in that process while holding you accountable for your goals.
You can discover the joys of connection and inner confidence. Click on this link to get started with me, or email [email protected].
On Being a Counselor
I am thoughtful, open, and direct. I take a collaborative approach to understanding behavior patterns you may find puzzling. My goal is to empower you to explore and give voice to your whole self.
Connection inspires me. Who do you feel connected to? What makes you feel connected to yourself? Connection helps foster meaning in our lives. I am here to help you deepen and strengthen all of your relationships.
Practitioner Background
I decided to become a counselor when I was seven years old. Some kids play 'teacher' or 'doctor' or 'superheroes.' Me? I played 'therapist!' And while I have learned a lot since age seven, my passion for this work has only increased over time.
I offer therapy because I believe in it. Before becoming a counselor, I worked with people experiencing complex grief and loss in various settings. These experiences helped me appreciate just how vital it is to create sacred space to heal.
Healing requires courage, and it also involves joy. There's freedom in facing our fears with love. I know because I've pursued my self-work while being in this field. Each day I am grateful for the privilege of being a healer on a healing journey.
I am passionate about breaking down systems of power and oppression in and out of the therapeutic relationship. We must name our shared realities of oppression while appreciating how our unique experiences and identities affect our lives.
For example, my whiteness and role as the "therapist" put me in a position of power. I am constantly thinking critically about redistributing and stewarding that power to create a space of abundant possibility. Together, we will explore a collaborative, empowering approach to your healing.
Let’s get started. To schedule your first appointment, click on this link or email [email protected]. I'm here for you.
More About Kelsey
Key Philosophical Beliefs
- You deserve authenticity and transparency throughout the therapy process.
- No two humans are exactly the same, so everyone requires a unique approach to therapy.
- Pain deserves to be listened to and felt.
- Power and oppression occupy all spaces in our society. They should not occupy the therapy space.
- The mind and body are connected. Our bodies often give us signals and information as to what is going on in our minds or in our hearts.
- Everyone deserves a space to release suppressed emotions, and therapy can be that space.
- Our context - personal history, positionality, and the environment - are key aspects of who we are as individuals.
- Healing can’t be rushed.
Counseling Training
- Clinical Master of Social Work, the University of Chicago
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Maryland
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training
- Fellowship in Psychodynamic Therapy
- Trauma Informed Care (Certified)
- Mindfulness Training
- Anti-racist Practice
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Grief and Loss (Hospice Training)
- Psychodynamic Therapy Training
- Crisis intervention
Specializations and Experience
- LGBTQIA+
- Relationship insecurity
- Coping with anxiety
- Body image and body dysmorphia
- Complicated grief and loss
- Bereavement counseling
- Conflict mitigation
- Harm reduction
- Group counseling
Kelsey as a Person
I was born in Evanston, IL but grew up in North Carolina. After a few years of living in Brussels, Belgium during high school, I attended the University of Maryland for my undergraduate degree in Psychology. It felt full circle to return to Chicago for graduate school at The University of Chicago. It's safe to say the winters don't scare me, and I'll be here for a while. I enjoy walking by Lake Michigan, eating soup dumplings in China Town, and trying new restaurants or comedy clubs. As much as I love a beautiful day outside, I never feel guilty about staying in to watch TV, practice yoga, and eat my favorite snacks.
