Kellie Gainey , LMHC

Kellie Gainey is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in New York who helps people facing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, and identity-related issues. She also supports those coping with trauma, grief, addictions, ADHD, and major life changes. Her approach aims to be practical and approachable so people can start feeling more steady and capable.

Kellie uses a mix of methods to suit each person she meets. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and client-centered approaches appear regularly in her work. Mindfulness and creative expression are also part of sessions when they fit the person's needs.

She identifies as a queer clinician and works from kink/BDSM positive, non-monogamous positive, and fat/body positive positions. That means she pays attention to identity, relationships, and how bodies are experienced when those topics matter to the person in therapy. She aims to make conversations about these topics straightforward and nonjudgmental.

Sessions focus on learning useful coping skills, shifting unhelpful thoughts, and improving how people relate to themselves and others. Kellie also helps people process past trauma and navigate transitions like career changes or shifts in parenting and relationships. The work is collaborative and paced to each person's readiness.

With seven years of clinical experience, she brings practical tools and a steady presence to sessions. People who prefer an inclusive, strengths-focused approach often find her style clear and respectful.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical behavior changes. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that get in the way of daily life. ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, helps people notice thoughts and feelings without being driven by them and then take steps that match their values. It can help with life transitions, chronic stress, and motivation. Client-centered therapy centers the person’s own goals and experience, offering a space where the therapist listens closely and follows the person’s lead.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kellie will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past. Together they try methods, track what works, and adjust the plan so the work fits the person’s life and needs.

Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. Video calls allow face-to-face connection for deeper conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for a quick check-in. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, homework feedback, or when typing feels more manageable. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, family, and daily life.