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DK Portrait of Darlene Kelly

Darlene Kelly

Experienced CBT-focused LCSW supporting life changes

LCSW Louisiana

Experience
24 years in practice
Focus areas
LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Parenting
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English

About Darlene

Darlene Kelly is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who centers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within a compassionate, client-focused practice.

Background and approach

With 24 years of experience, she blends practical, skills-based strategies with a supportive therapeutic stance to help clients address anxiety, depression, stress, relationship struggles, addiction, grief, and a wide range of life changes. Her approach emphasizes recognizing patterns of thought and behavior while also honoring the personal story that brought someone into therapy.

She draws on acceptance and commitment principles, attachment-based insights, and elements of dialectical and client-centered work to tailor support to each person's needs. Darlene aims to create a space where clients can speak openly, explore difficult emotions such as anger, shame, and loss, and develop tools for improved coping, self-esteem, and intimacy.

Her practice also addresses issues like ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, body image, caregiving stress, and the complexities of blended families and adoption-related challenges. Located in Louisiana and licensed in Texas and Mississippi as reflected by her credentials, she accepts international clients and offers flexible online session formats.

Darlene focuses on helping people move forward from what has happened, building resilience and practical strategies for healthier daily functioning.

Integrating evidence-based approaches in online therapy

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and problematic coping. It often uses structured exercises and skills practice to create measurable change.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to notice difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to values-based action; it can be useful for coping with life changes, chronic stress, and persistent worry. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships influence current emotional patterns and interpersonal dynamics, helping clients improve connection, trust, and intimacy in relationships.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to consider goals, preferences, and life circumstances and may combine methods such as CBT, ACT, and attachment work to match what a client needs. This collaborative tailoring helps create a practical plan that aligns with individual priorities.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for those juggling work, caregiving, or long distances. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between sessions, and access support from Louisiana or while living abroad, adapting format and pace to what works best for the client.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She addresses a broad range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family difficulties, addiction, grief, stress, parenting and career challenges, and intimacy-related concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with acceptance-based and attachment-informed elements, offering practical skill building alongside an open, client-centered listening stance.
What is her professional experience?
She brings 24 years of clinical experience working with adults across a variety of life stages and presenting problems.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She holds an LCSW and is documented with TX LCSW 57472 and MS LCSW C10272, and her practice is based in Louisiana.
Does she provide services in other languages or to international clients?
She conducts therapy in English and is accepting international clients.
Which session formats are offered with this therapist?
Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How does pricing and subscription work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are organized through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

LGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Licensed

Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi

Languages

English