Kelly Lai

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an MSW from UCLA and a background in psychology from UCSB. I’ve worked in hospital and community settings, supporting individuals through trauma, grief, and major life challenges, including veterans, survivors of sexual assault, hospice patients, and refugee families. I bring a calm, grounded, and adaptable approach. My current work focuses on helping individuals navigate life stressors and past traumatic experiences. I offer a trauma-informed, culturally responsive space that’s supportive, genuine, and approachable, helping you build insight, resilience, and practical tools for daily life.

I take a collaborative, flexible approach tailored to your needs, drawing from CBT, ACT, Interpersonal Therapy, and strengths-based techniques. I help you look at how your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and past experiences connect. My style is supportive, down-to-earth, and focused on helping you build insight, practical tools, and meaningful change.

The first session is a chance to get to know each other and see if it’s a good fit. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in and what you’re hoping for, at your own pace. I aim to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space as we begin identifying your therapy goals and give you a clearer sense of whether you’d like to continue moving forward together.