Kelly DeGraaf, LMFT, AAMFT Supervisor in Training

Kelly is in-network with BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO, and United.

Pronouns - she/her

Approach to Therapy:

I believe that our relationships and our cultural contexts profoundly influence how we navigate the world. I combine a relational, systemic approach with a practice that is trauma-informed and strength-based to hold space that balances warmth, thoughtfulness, and laughter with an appropriate amount of challenge. I value creating authentic and meaningful relationships with my clients where we collaborate to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships. 

During a life transition of mine, a friend shared this quote:

“She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails” – Elizabeth Edwards

I see therapy as an important space to figure out how to adjust our sails. It reminds me that we can renegotiate, change course, and build compassion to work towards healing, acceptance, and a bit more levity.

Clinical Interests:

I support individuals, couples, and adult families working through a variety of life’s challenges. My clinical specialties are in grief and loss, couples issues including infidelity and contemplating divorce, ADHD, terminal illness, identity exploration, anxiety, and trauma. In my work, I strive to help clients of all backgrounds and lived experiences strengthen their relationships and understand their personal stories. I value ongoing learning and am committed to acknowledging my implicit biases, working from a social justice lens, and providing a safe therapy experience for all sexualities, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.

Education and Training:

I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland and my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and am an AAMFT-approved supervisor in training passionate about working with fellow therapists! I am also the Director of Operations and Consultation at AACG. 

I am trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy, meaning that I incorporate a variety of evidence-based models to best meet the needs of my clients. I have additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 

I am on the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Clinic supporting their fundraising and development strategies. Prior to becoming an LMFT, I worked for a decade in fundraising, business development, and event production, and volunteered at organizations like Children’s Cancer Association and KEEN Chicago.

3 Things I Love:

Windsurfing, my tiny cat named Dill, and attempting to keep my plants alive.

Kelly can be reached at kelly@amandaatkinschicago.com.