Kelly Collins, Intern

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 705
Email kcollins@secondstorycounseling.com

Working on completing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Spring Arbor University

I received a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences from the University of Florida.  I have always enjoyed connecting with people and getting to know them at a deeper level.  I devoted much of my life to the game of golf, competing at the professional level.  My experience in competitive athletics has influenced my passion for the intersectionality of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.  After choosing to retire from the game, I decided that I wanted to further my education.  Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Spring Arbor University.  In my own personal therapeutic journey, I have had amazing counselors who had a significant positive influence on my life.  I consider it a privilege to now have the opportunity to help others in the same way.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, friends and family; going on walks, playing golf, singing, building legos, traveling.

My Approach

I view counseling as an opportunity for individuals to become the best versions of themselves.  Whether it is recovering from past trauma, improving relationships, processing grief, or developing better coping skills, counseling is an opportunity to grow as a person and move from merely surviving in life to thriving.  In my counseling practice, I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where my clients feel respected and free to express their own spectrum of emotions.

There are a variety of effective approaches to counseling that can be utilized.  The approaches that I focus on are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, mindfulness and trauma-informed care.  Because there is no one therapeutic model that will meet every need, I also take an eclectic approach, seeking to integrate methods that will work best for each particular client.  I aim to work collaboratively with my clients, coming up with solutions, techniques and coping skills that will work best for them.  All the while, remaining mindful of the various factors that can influence health, including mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual health.

What You Can Expect

As we begin the counseling journey together, we will spend time getting to know each other.  I will work to create a safe and comfortable environment where you feel welcome to be yourself.  As you are the expert on your life story, you can expect a collaborative approach, where we will work together to define the goals you want to work towards.  My role is to encourage, guide, support, and challenge you into becoming the best version of yourself.