Whats the big deal about
Psychotherapy?
"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” ― David Richo
DID YOU KNOW?
HUMOR, CREATIVITY & SCIENCE =
A ROCKSTAR RECIPE FOR COUPLES THERAPY!
Welcome to PSYCINTHECITY!
As a relationship junkie, a Gottman trained couples therapist and a former comedian, I mix evidenced-based couples theory, with a smattering of humor and a dash of creativity to help couples deal with communication struggles, sex and intimacy issues, infidelity, and a menagerie of other obstacles that get in the way of healthy and happy relationships. Although there are many relationship models out there, I am wild for John Gottman's method, because well...for starters, he is the world's leading couples relationship expert, and because his theories, strategies, tools & techniques have been tested in a laboratory-type setting called "The Love Lab." (A small studio apartment with two-way mirrors, microphones, and camera's!) For over 50 years couples have come to the lab to live for a few days while John and his team would observe their interactions, kinda like animals in the wild! Gottman studied humans like other scientists studied rhinos, elephants and nose apes! Needless to say, with this amazing model...and a little lightness and humor, couples work can be powerfully affective!
What is psychotherapy?
Oftentimes, people go to therapy because they feel anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed. The therapeutic process can help us slow down, step back, take a nonjudgmental look at what's going on, and then try to figure out what to do differently. A sharp therapist can then help you develop new skills, healthier habits, and more effective ways of dealing with your issues. In essence, together you and your therapist will, not only design a roadmap to help you get to the destination of your choice, but you will also create a couple of extra maps to refer to when you take a wrong exit!
MY APPROACH
Creativity, Humor, and Science
Since I was a small human, I’ve always been a bit of a science/psychology nerd. Perhaps because scientific models made a lot of sense to me. They break stuff down into small parts, formulate ways to understand how things work, then create an action plan to initiate meaningful change. So when it comes to therapy - If C = some concrete goal like...happiness, a successful career, fancy cars, cool friends, a loving family, an exciting relationship, traveling around the world etc...then all we have to do if figure out what A and B are, add them together, and deal with all the pesky variables that get in the way!
Long before I became a shrink, I spent 30-something years working as a professional actor/comedian doing funny TV commercials, standup comedy, Improv, and some tv writing and directing. As a counselor and couples therapist, I learned super quick that comedy can be a healing superpower and I've found that when I mix scientific-based theories and techniques with my experience, tons of training, creativity and a dash of humor ---- amazing things can happen!
SO...WHAT IN THE SAM HOTEL IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
"Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get! W.P. Kinsella
Psychotherapy is basically about mastering the art of wanting and getting. It's a process of defining the wants, designing the map to the gets and then blasting through the obstacles (that stand in the way. Therapy doesn't always have to be a brutal, tedious grind. In fact, it can and should be an unfolding process of discovery, insight and celebration, and a great therapist can help you work through sabotaging thoughts, annoying emotional obstacles and goofy behavioral patterns that are getting in the way of living an optimal life!
ABOUT
KELLEY J. BROWER, LMHC, CFRC
COUPLES COUNSELOR, LMHC, CFRC
While she was a freelance artist in the entertainment world for over 30 years, Kelley earned a slew of professional coaching certifications and started coaching an assortment of creative folks for 9 years. At the crack of her 40's, she worked as a volunteer peer counselor for the LGBTQ community where her unfolding love for the flotsam and Jetsam of human behavior led her to Hunter College for a Masters in Mental Health Counseling.
Specializing in Couples and Relationship therapy, Kelley completed all 3 levels of The Gottman Couples Therapy training and has been working with couples of all sizes, shapes and colors for the last 8 years.
When the virus reared its ghastly snout...Kelley dove nose deep into infectious disease training, compassion focused therapy and earned a certification in First Responder Crisis Counseling.
As a Couples Counselor, Kelley believes that when creativity and humor are blended with hard science, they can not only be powerful therapeutic tools, but can also bring joy & laughter into the psychological journey.
WRITER / DIRECTOR
As a scrawny, kid, Kelley began her comedy career doing magic tricks and slamming fake hands in refrigerator and car doors. Her knack for bossing around children weaker than herself eventually led her to directing. At 15 she was writing and performing her own standup comedy and at 19 she became a professional working actor doing TV commercials and a couple of sitcoms. Her 20's were spent touring the country doing stand up, improv and sketch comedy where she eventually settled in NYC. In her late 30’s, she jumped behind the camera and worked her way up the Fillm/TV production ladder to First Assistant Director, Producer and finally comedy Writer/Director, and now screenwriter.
As a coach, Kelley began coaching artists & entrepreneurs, of all sizes, shapes and styles. She worked as a volunteer peer counselor at Identity House, where she worked at the LGBTQ Center, co-facilitated women’s support groups, and did short term one on one counseling. After 8 years of coaching and 15 years in Film/TV, Kelley switched gears in her late 40’s, went back to school.
Now in her mid-50's Kelley bravely specializes in Couples Counseling and runs workshops and groups blending improv comedy exercises, creativity, and action methods with group therapy, theory and process.
Kelley separates herself from the current pack of Therapists and Coaches by mixing her creative skills, talents and counseling training with her cracker-jack sense of humor. As an artist and a therapist, she has a warm, nonjudgemental style, she understands the sturm and drang of financial stress, and offers a sliding scale for those struggling financially.
WHAT FOLKS ARE SAYIN'
“Kelley’s session was cozier and more helpful than an entire course at the Learning Annex”
NEW YORK SUN
"She's a Talented therapist, but she never vacuums."
Kelley's Mother –Chandler, AZ.
“Ever since she became a therapist, Kelley almost never talks about killing herself!”
Nancy P. -Kelley's Writing Partner
"All I can say about working with Kelley is that I am booking more Photography work than I have ever booked in more than ten years."
Eva W. Photographer - Boston
"Kelley is like Tony Robbins; powerfully effective but smaller and affordable."
Betsy S. TV Writer - Los Angeles
“Kelley gave me specific tools to keep me moving forward and has the great ability and gift to see beyond our perceived obstacles!”
LINDA B. SINGER FOR THE NY METS, NY
"Kelley helped me open up creatively and gain success as a composer for TV and Film."
Andy M. - Composer - Los Angeles
IMPROV THERAPY
MONDAY: APRIL 10th
This Virtual WORKSHOP will incorporate creative exercises, humor, and Improv games as a means of fostering playful connections as well as exploring some of life's Post Pandemic struggles! This is a gentle, fun, non-judgmental, and super safe space.
$35 clams or $25 if you register by
April 1st! Bring a friend - Pay $30 for you both!
REGISTER NOW!
Only 6,432 spaces left!!
FEARLESS LEADER:
Psychotherapist/Couples Counselor - Kelley J Brower was a standup comedian, comic actress, improv guru and a comedy writer/director for 37.555.99 years!
