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Therapist profile

Kellie Gainey

Therapist · New York

Compassionate counselor for relationship and identity struggles

Continue with Kellie

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Kellie Gainey
Credentials
LMHC
License
LMHC, New York · 011317
NPI
1669087276
Experience
7 years
Languages
English
Location
New York
  • Practical coping skills
  • Queer affirming
  • Body positive

About Kellie

Kellie Gainey is a licensed mental health counselor in New York who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and codependency. She works with clients around grief, trauma, self-esteem, parenting challenges, and life changes. Kellie brings seven years of one-on-one counseling experience to each session and aims to make starting therapy feel manageable.

Her approach focuses on practical coping skills and clearer thinking. Sessions often include learning new ways to respond to stress, working through past hurts, and changing unhelpful patterns in relationships. She uses plain language and concrete steps so clients can try tools between sessions.

Kellie draws from several therapy methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She also uses client-centered techniques, mindfulness, narrative work, and creative expression to fit what each person needs. This variety helps her adapt to different problems and preferences.

She identifies as a queer clinician and practices from kink/BDSM positive, non-monogamous positive, and fat/body positive positions. That perspective shapes a nonjudgmental, open environment for discussing intimacy, alternative relationship styles, or body image concerns.

People who choose Kellie can expect a collaborative process. She will listen, offer options, and help set realistic goals. To begin, users complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.

How these approaches can help in online sessions

A few of the therapist's main approaches are explained here in plain terms. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, teaches ways to accept difficult feelings while taking actions that match personal values. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, offers concrete skills for managing strong emotions, improving relationships, and reducing impulsive reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, habits, and preferences and then recommend options. This is a collaborative process that can shift over time as needs change.

Session formats are not specified in the provided profile, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, allowing appointments without travel and giving more flexibility for scheduling around work or caregiving. They can also make it simpler to try a brief check-in when time is limited or to choose a lower-bandwidth option when video is difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and DBT techniques to work well in remote appointments based on what each person needs.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)EmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Credentials

New York

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns are supported here?

This clinician works with stress, anxiety, depression, codependency, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma, parenting strain, ADHD, and related concerns listed in the profile.

How would you describe the therapy style?

The style is collaborative and practical, focusing on coping skills, changing unhelpful thinking patterns, and improving relationships through clear exercises and discussion.

What experience does the therapist bring?

The therapist has seven years of one-on-one counseling experience working with a wide range of mental health and life issues.

What credentials and location information are provided?

The clinician is a New York licensed mental health counselor, listed as LMHC, and practices from New York.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with this therapist?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are fees and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to start therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Kellie Gainey Continue with Kellie