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Kelly Ambrose

Therapist

Kelly Ambrose

LCSW

Illinois · 13+ years of experience

Calm, practical support for life’s hard moments

Continue with Kelly

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Step 1

  • Compassionate listener
  • Practical coping skills
  • Collaborative approach

About Kelly

Kelly Ambrose is a licensed clinical social worker with 13 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. She works to create a calm, respectful space where clients can talk about difficult feelings and get practical tools for day-to-day life. Kelly aims to help people regain stability and move toward goals they care about.

Kelly uses a compassionate, down-to-earth style. She listens first and then helps people decide what to try next. Sessions focus on concrete steps like coping strategies, communication skills, and ways to reduce overwhelm. The work is collaborative and paced to each person’s needs.

Her background includes long experience with a wide range of concerns such as abandonment, attachment issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, chronic illness and disability, body image, and dissociation. That experience informs how she frames problems and suggests strategies that fit each person’s life.

Kelly also supports people dealing with anger, codependency, control issues, and the effects of trauma and abuse. She brings attention to both the emotional side and the practical tasks that help people feel more in control. Her approach often emphasizes self-compassion and building new habits.

People who prefer clear guidance and gentle challenge often find this style helpful. Kelly encourages gradual change, skills practice between sessions, and honest conversation about what is or isn’t helping.

Step 2

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

13+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

Step 3

How evidence-based approaches work in online therapy

Kelly draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One approach emphasizes teaching coping skills and stress management techniques to reduce anxiety and build daily routines that feel manageable. This helps people handle overwhelming moments with simple, repeatable strategies.

Another approach centers on processing trauma and difficult emotions through structured discussion and paced exposure to painful memories or feelings. That kind of work aims to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation over time.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Kelly works together with each person to identify goals, try different strategies, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. The aim is collaboration so the therapy fits the person’s life and priorities.

Formats for sessions are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make it simpler to maintain continuity of care during life transitions while working with licensed professionals who focus on practical progress.

Step 4

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns can Kelly help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, and depression, plus related issues like attachment concerns and chronic illness.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is compassionate and practical, focusing on listening first and then introducing concrete coping skills and communication strategies.

What is her professional background?

Kelly has 13 years of clinical experience as a licensed clinical social worker and has worked with a broad range of mental health concerns.

Where is Kelly licensed to practice?

She holds an IL LCSW license and practices in Illinois.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions paid for?

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

What steps do I take to begin?

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

Step 5

Your next step

If this is for you

  • Check that the location and license details fit where you live.
  • Write down one or two things you want to talk about.
  • Take your time. You can read other profiles first.

If you are helping someone

  • Read this page together, at a pace that suits them.
  • Ask what they think about this therapist.
  • Let the person make the choice.
Kelly AmbroseContinue with Kelly