Meet Kelli Schow | Mental Health Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Schow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I often feel so grateful for my career because it has taught me how to approach life with more curiosity and less judgement. One of the most meaningful parts of being a therapist is the ability to bear witness to people’s full stories and experiences in their most vulnerable moments. I have learned that being a human is incredibly complicated. We often have the urge to label people or experiences as “good” or bad”. I have learned that we all have healthier parts of ourselves, and parts that might be making less productive choices as a way to cope in the best way we know how. I work with many people who are making destructive life choices that would be easy to label as “bad”. When we can release the judgement around the behavior and get curious, these people often have incredible wisdom that they are just struggling to apply to their own life. I also work with people who appear to lead a “perfect” life, but are struggling tremendously on the inside. It is amazing to see the relief these people feel when they can get out of judgement. I have come to learn that all of us are doing the best we can as we continue to learn and grow to do better. I am no different than any of my clients, I am human too. I am constantly inspired by the strength and insights of my clients.

What should our readers know about your business?
I began building my business and practicing virtually at home during the 2020 pandemic. At the time, I was home with two preschool aged children. I was seeking a way to engage with a career I loved while being present with my children during a scary and isolating time. Virtual therapy was a new concept at this time and many therapists were learning together how to practice in this new way. It was a challenging time to start a new business, but in the end I believe it was actually fortuitous timing. Everyone was so willing to give one another grace because we were all learning to be creative in providing care during a pandemic. I was able to lean into the vulnerability of being a learner and I have taken this attitude with me. I feel more willing to admit when I don’t know something and ask for support, which I think is an essential part of growth. I think that the willingness to continue to learn only serves me better as a business owner and clinician.

My practice is now 100% virtual, which allows clients the flexibility to access therapy from anywhere in the state of Colorado. My main specialty areas are perinatal mental health and trauma treatment. Although I am a therapist for individuals, I have a strong attachment lens. I believe that our relationships are essential to our mental health and love to support people in building healthier relationships.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite part of living in Colorado is the outdoors, but it feels impossible to narrow down all the amazing spots to explore! If we were staying close to home I would take them for a bike ride on the Highline Canal or the South Platte River trail and end with a drink at Breckenridge Brewery. We could also go for a quick hike at Roxborough State Park where you are close to home but feel like you are in another world. Any out of towner also needs to see Red Rocks Amphitheater and grab a bite in downtown Morrison. I would probably also take a day to go up to Boulder to hike the Flatirons and walk Pearl Street Mall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I have to thank my parents for raising me in a home where emotional intelligence was valued. I think this set a tone for me to choose a career path that I feel truly passionate about. I also have to thank my husband who has supported me in taking all the risks involved in starting a business.

I have loved the flexibility and convenience of being able to create my own practice and work virtually from home. But, being a therapist is an impossible job to do in isolation. I feel endless gratitude to my therapist colleagues (many who I also call friends) that provide insights, advice and consultations as needed. Last year, I also went through an EMDR training program through EMDR Center of the Rockies. This program helped me build my confidence in helping clients heal through trauma and “stuck points”. I think I’m a much stronger practitioner because of this program. I also had additional training from Postpartum Support International (PSI). This is another fantastic organization that I often turn to for support with perinatal clients.

Most of all, I want to shout out to all my clients- current and past. I have learned so much from each and every one of them. I am constantly amazed by the resilience my clients show in the face of tremendous adversity and feel so inspired by them.

Website: https://www.kellischowlcsw.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellischowlcsw

Image Credits
Danielle Bailey Photography