Kelly DeGraaf, MS, AMFT

Pronouns - she/her

(Kelly can work with clients in Illinois, Colorado, and Florida)

Approach to Therapy:

I believe that our most impactful relationships and our cultural contexts profoundly influence how we navigate the world. This systemic approach is combined 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. In my work, I value creating authentic and meaningful relationships with my clients where we can collaborate to deepen your understanding of yourself and your 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 when we are facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed, we can renegotiate and change course 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 interests are in grief and loss, couples issues, including infidelity and contemplating divorce, self-esteem, identity exploration, anxiety, and past trauma. In my work, I strive to help clients of all backgrounds and lived experiences strengthen their relationships, explore their culture and history, and understand their personal stories. I value ongoing learning and am committed to acknowledging my implicit biases, working from a social justice lens, and being an LGBTQIA+ affirming provider.

Education and Training:

I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland and my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Northwestern University. I am trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy, where I incorporate a variety of evidence-based models to best meet the needs of my clients. I have additional training in trauma-informed therapy through Northwestern’s Community Program and in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Prior to becoming an MSMFT, 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:

Stand up paddle boarding, cooking, and attempting to keep my plants alive.

Kelly can be reached at kelly@amandaatkinschicago.com.