Darlene Kelly
Experienced CBT-focused LCSW supporting life changes
LCSW Louisiana
- Experience
- 24 years in practice
- Focus areas
- LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Parenting
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About Darlene
Darlene Kelly is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who centers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) within a compassionate, client-focused practice.
Background and approach
With 24 years of experience, she blends practical, skills-based strategies with a supportive therapeutic stance to help clients address anxiety, depression, stress, relationship struggles, addiction, grief, and a wide range of life changes. Her approach emphasizes recognizing patterns of thought and behavior while also honoring the personal story that brought someone into therapy.
She draws on acceptance and commitment principles, attachment-based insights, and elements of dialectical and client-centered work to tailor support to each person's needs. Darlene aims to create a space where clients can speak openly, explore difficult emotions such as anger, shame, and loss, and develop tools for improved coping, self-esteem, and intimacy.
Her practice also addresses issues like ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, body image, caregiving stress, and the complexities of blended families and adoption-related challenges. Located in Louisiana and licensed in Texas and Mississippi as reflected by her credentials, she accepts international clients and offers flexible online session formats.
Darlene focuses on helping people move forward from what has happened, building resilience and practical strategies for healthier daily functioning.
Integrating evidence-based approaches in online therapy
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and problematic coping. It often uses structured exercises and skills practice to create measurable change.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to notice difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to values-based action; it can be useful for coping with life changes, chronic stress, and persistent worry. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships influence current emotional patterns and interpersonal dynamics, helping clients improve connection, trust, and intimacy in relationships.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to consider goals, preferences, and life circumstances and may combine methods such as CBT, ACT, and attachment work to match what a client needs. This collaborative tailoring helps create a practical plan that aligns with individual priorities.
Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for those juggling work, caregiving, or long distances. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between sessions, and access support from Louisiana or while living abroad, adapting format and pace to what works best for the client.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Licensed
Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi
Languages
English