Kelsey Friend, LCSW

Integrative Somatic Psychotherapy

reconnect to yourself through embodiment and curiosity

Hello! I’m Kelsey (she/her). I am a LCSW licensed in the state of Arkansas, currently practicing in Fayetteville.

As a therapist, my lifelong curiosity about the mind and body drives my passion for helping others thrive. I believe deeply in the power of self-discovery and feel privileged to witness my clients uncover their inner strength and wisdom.

My approach is rooted in the idea that true transformation happens when we connect the mind and body, using the innate wisdom that every human carries within them.

My goal as a therapist is to support you in shifting your story from one of struggle and scarcity to one of abundance and possibility.

my mission: to collaborate with clients as they cultivate a reciprocal relationship with themselves, through embodiment and curiosity

A reciprocal relationship with your own self means creating a dynamic where you nurture and support yourself much like you would with a close friend or loved one. The relationship you have with yourself can become a balanced flow, allowing space to give to yourself (like fostering self-compassion, self-care and establishing safety), and also receiving from yourself (like recognizing your worth, learning from the innate intelligence of your body, and listening to cues that bring guidance and insight).

What can therapy help with?

Integrative somatic therapy can help with a wide range of life experiences, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional support, nervous system regulation, stress management and coping skills, grief support, conflict resolution, self-awareness, self-compassion, self-care, boundaries, and life transition support.

  • “Kelsey is truly the most skilled and the kindest therapist I’ve ever seen and I feel so lucky to have found her. Working with her is life changing. She helps get to the root cause of issues and mental blocks, and her therapy style is very comprehensive-- it even includes nervous system regulation and “brain rewiring" to learn how to successfully shift out of fight-or-flight. She has helped me see shifts in a single session that would have taken years to achieve with more limited, traditional talk therapy. She is nonjudgmental, open-minded, and amazing at both listening and feedback; talking with her feels comfortable, like talking to a very wise friend! I’m a holistic doctor and I feel like every single one of my patients would get better faster if they were also seeing her. She seamlessly blends IFS "parts work" with talk therapy, brain spotting, EFT (tapping), polyvagal theory and more. I feel comfortable referring anyone to Kelsey because she doesn’t pathologize (doesn’t try to put people in a box based on their previous diagnoses), she is professional while also being grounded and relaxed, and she provides a healing space where everyone she works with feels safe. She is able to provide the exact same experience via virtual video session as in person. 10/10 highly recommend!”

  • “Working with Kelsey is a treat. She is conscientious, dedicated, gentle and warm. She balances professionalism while still being a real person. Kelsey has helped educate me on the how and why of my nervous system, and although I’ve only been seeing her for a few weeks, I feel like I’ve made more progress with her than I have in years. Understanding what is happening in my brain and body has eased my anxiety so much. I’m confident in her skill and am looking forward to working with her in the future."

  • “My experience with Kelsey has been truly exceptional. I came to her feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next.  My previous therapists were just not a good fit whereas with Kelsey, things were great from the start.  I now feel like I have the tools to navigate life's challenges with confidence.  Kelsey didn't just treat my symptoms, she empowered me to understand my own mental health and develop healthy coping strategies. I appreciate her patience, understanding, and commitment to helping me build a stronger, more resilient self. I highly recommend Kelsey if you're looking for a therapist who will genuinely listen to you and help you take control of your mental well-being.”

  • “Working with Kelsey has been great and the practice has been a game changer for me. Over the past 20+ years I have tried out several different therapists. In the past 1-2 years of Brainspotting and attending therapy through Kelsey, I feel like I've made more progress than through all the previous years combined.”

  • “Kelsey utilizes evidenced-based treatment approaches for patient specific challenges. Her treatment techniques are are efficient and effective. She also allows for patient directed sessions when necessary. Her compassion and empathy are felt in each and every treatment session. I have recommended her services to my colleagues and friends. I highly recommend her counseling services.”

  • “Kelsey has been absolutely wonderful. She has helped me discover more than I ever could on my own and allowed me to be more gracious with myself than in years prior. I always feel comfortable and am so thankful for the last two years spent with her.”

  • "Kelsey offers a warm and supportive space where I feel like I can be authentically myself. She is well-informed on the nervous system and offers a lot of education that helps me understand what is happening in my body. She is flexible to my needs and incredibly present with me in session. I love working with Kelsey, and she has made a hugely positive impact on my life."

  • "Kelsey has helped me make strides and become more of the person I have always wanted to be while working through my problems with care and focus."

  • "Kelsey has been an incredible support throughout my therapy journey. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach has created a safe space where I feel heard and understood. She has helped me navigate through challenges with patience, offering insightful guidance and practical tools that I can apply in my everyday life. Thanks to Kelsey's expertise and dedication, I've gained a deeper understanding of myself and made meaningful progress toward healing. I’m truly grateful for her help!"

  • "I have felt very safe and heard with Kelsey Friend. My experience has always been extremely positive and meaningful, I feel as if I've grown exponentially since I first started."

Therapy is not one size fits all.

With creativity, we can collaborate & integrate different modalities to form a treatment that is best for you.

  • Talk Therapy

    Talk therapy provides a safe and confidential space for people to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This can help with self-insight, self-compassion, problem-solving, and supports your overall well-being. Despite its name, talk therapy is also about listening - listening to (and then giving voice to) unexpressed thoughts and emotions to cultivate a connection to Self that is calm, connected, confident, curious, and compassionate.

  • Psychoeducation

    Understanding how our physiology and psychology are connected through psychoeducation is empowering because it helps us realize that mental health issues are not just "personal weaknesses" or flaws in character—they’re often the result of complex interactions between our body, brain, and environment. Gaining knowledge can demystify mental health and replace shame with an appreciation for the natural complexity of being human.

  • Brainspotting

    Brainspotting is a therapy that uses eye movements to help people work through and heal from trauma and suppressed emotions. By focusing on special gaze spots with their eyes, people can access painful memories, release emotions, and find regulation and peace. Your brain and eyes are deeply connected, and when you focus on certain spots, your brain can start to heal from things that have been trapped or hidden away. Read more about it here.

  • Integrative Somatics

    This combines talk therapy with techniques that focus on the body’s sensations, movement, and energy. It honors the reality that our emotional experiences are not just stored in the mind but also in the body, and that addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of trauma and stress can lead to deeper healing, by releasing stored trauma and improving self-regulation.

  • Walk & Talk

    These sessions are conducted while walking outdoors (the Razorback Greenway is conveniently located .2 miles from my office). This approach combines the benefits of physical activity with psychotherapy, promoting relaxed, open conversations. The movement can help reduce anxiety, increase creativity, and make it easier for clients to talk freely and process emotions.

  • Yoga & Breathwork

    Yoga poses and breathwork practices can be integrated into therapy sessions to help clients manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve body awareness. Incorporating these practices into therapy provides tools for clients to self-regulate, connect to the present moment, and create a sense of calm and balance. Movement can also invite play and freedom of choice!

046A7570.jpg
046A7598.jpg