about Kelly Jeanne
I have always been drawn to the great mysteries of life, the things we cannot see but feel, the universal truths that live at the core of our being. Modern life distracts us from this deeper knowing, and our upbringing and conditioning often lead us astray. However, this innate wisdom is always available to us if we choose to listen, if we are willing to do the work (Oh yes! It takes work!) to clear out the noise.
Personally, it took physical illness to wake me up to the deeper parts of myself. For many years I was working stressful jobs and showing up for my family and community in unsustainable ways. I had very little awareness of my own needs and boundaries, and was focused primarily on pleasing others. Because I was not connected to my body—a result of trauma and cultural conditioning—I did not see the harm I was causing my body nor its signs of illness.
Kelly Jeanne Zehr, LCSW
To address the root causes of this state of “dis-ease” in my body, I took a holistic approach to healing. Over time, I completely changed my lifestyle. I started with the basics—food, rest, movement (These basics will not be overlooked in counseling with me!)—learning what it meant to truly take care of myself. I sought all the information related to holistic healing I could get my hands on, and it did not take long for me to realize that what I had manifested in my body was in direct relationship to my emotional and spiritual wounding. This led me to alternative healing methods, such as acupuncture, meditation, women’s groups, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and WildCore Movement. I simply am no longer capable of compartmentalizing the various parts of self, and have become passionate about addressing the whole person in my work with others.
My background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) has exposed me to an array of life experiences and needs, deepening my appreciation for the human condition, and strengthening my desire to help people relieve their suffering and meet their potential. Working with individuals and families managing challenging symptoms and behaviors that stem from complex, generational and systemic trauma, taught me how to approach healing work from a trauma-informed lens, as well as a relational one. Our early experiences, particularly related to our attachments with our parents or caregivers, play a vital role, not only in our future relationships, but also in how we view the world and ourselves.
Gifts from My Background and Training
Trauma-informed perspective
Ongoing personal experience with therapy, coaching and other forms of healing
Appreciation for the relational nature of human beings
Ability to meet an individual where they are at, offering flexibility of service based on their unique needs and their right to self-determination
Understanding of human behavior and what it takes to make profound attitudinal and behavioral change
Habilidad de hablar español - Ofrezco sesiones en español
Guiding Values and Beliefs Related to Healing
All beings have the innate ability to heal themselves
Everyone has inherent value and worth
We are all connected to each other and to the great web of life
The body is a temple worthy of attention and respect, a vessel for divine wisdom
Learning to be fully responsible for ourselves is an essential part of being effective in the world
Gratitude, compassion and forgiveness (of self and other) are synonymous with healing