Chelsea Kaban

I believe in the inherent worth of each person – a value that can be easier to understand than to apply to us in practice, but progress is best achieved when starting from a foundation of self-acceptance. That’s where I come in.

I am a therapist specializing in emotional and somatic processing, parts work, and Mindfulness-based interventions for those with complex trauma, identity issues, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.

These struggles may seem impossible to overcome, especially when compounded by the adversity of marginalization, identity struggles, or abuse. My mission is to help you feel whole by building skills, developing self-esteem and healthy attachment, and processing your burdens so they can be put down. This includes attuning to the body, calming the nervous system, finding meaning in life, and healing with the compassion and clarity of the true Self. I am here to be a witness, a companion in your journey, and a fellow human being who truly cares.

My approach blends Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention skills with Internal Family Systems-based parts work and guided meditation to release trauma and foster self-compassion. In doing so, you learn to make sense of your experiences within the systems around you and foster healing through connection to self, others, and community.

Sessions with me sound like:

"What was that look there?"

"That made me feel a wave of grief. Did you?"

"Let’s pause, if that's okay ... Just breathe into the feeling."

"All of your emotions are valid, but not all your thoughts are true."

"I have some skills for this..."

"Let’s talk to this part of you... What does it need? What protects you from?”

Above all, treatment should be intentional and built on trust. If this resonates, let’s discuss what you’re looking for together.

During my own therapy journey, I learned what it truly meant to “feel your feelings.” At first, the advice seemed absurd; I thought I felt too much. Over time, though, I learned that most of us are never taught how to process emotions or how to let them go. As a Latina and member of the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, I have often felt misunderstood within therapeutic spaces, and this journey taught me the power of accessing and overcoming emotions holding us back. My work is shaped by these experiences, and I strive to offer inclusive care that centers around each person’s unique strengths and needs.

When I am not providing therapy, I love to read fantasy books, write poetry, and make art. Dancing and playing sports in the park are also some of my favorite activities, especially with festive drinks and snacks, and some friends.