Healing the World through Mental Health Care
Kaitlyn Kenealy is not just a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC). She’s also a Leader, Coach, Author and Entrepreneur, making her a Global Force in the field of Mental Health Care. As the Founder of Kenealy Counseling, LLC, she successfully helps patients unlock their hidden potential and gives them the necessary tools to develop and grow.
An eclectic psychotherapist, Kaitlyn specializes in trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. She has decades of experience in the academic, hospital, mental health, non-profit and private practice settings. Yet, her most rewarding work is the voluntary services she conducts regularly for youth and community.
Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has worked with underprivileged youth as a tutor, mentor, and coach. She has worked in domestic violence shelters and facilitated support groups that include trauma recovery and batterers’ treatment. She has also co-facilitated groups for sexually abused teens, parents of abused teens, and self-esteem groups. She is active in her community and remains involved with community initiatives. She has worked with suicide risk assessments (Y-Screen), volunteered with Camp Reunite, facilitated therapy through Fondy Cares initiative, and served as co-chair of the Prevent Suicide and Mental Health Access committees.
All this, only because she’s direct, solution-focused, and passionate about removing barriers to get individuals and families the services they need. Sharing how she serves as an Advocate of mental health awareness/community well-being, she adds, “My goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and to encourage people to prioritize their mental health. Working as a therapist has been one of the most exhausting yet rewarding experiences of my life. True strength comes from within, and anything is possible if you believe in yourself.”
This belief is what led Kaitlyn to establish her counselling practice in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – Kenealy Counseling, LLC. Based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, United States, the firm provides Individual, Couples, Adolescent, and Group Therapy, as well as Life Coaching and Workshops.
“Clinicians were counselling people through a global pandemic — a health crisis we had no special training for. To watch people of all ages and genders experience this uncertain time with such resilience and vulnerability left me in awe. With resilience, hard work, and some luck, anything can be accomplished.”
In addition to her private practice, Kaitlyn is proactively involved with many mental health services and outreach programs. She recently authored the book – Healing is Messy AF. Her podcast – Teatime with the Psychos, aims to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. And as an entrepreneur, she plans to launch global courses and coaching programs to facilitate mental health wellness.
In this way, Kaitlyn has made a conscious choice to give back in the best way possible, which is through service. She plans to continue leading/creating workshops/educational opportunities. She hopes her book influences others and opens doors for them to pursue their dreams. Whether it’s through awards, services, or recognition, she hopes others look to her and say, ‘If she can do it, so can I’!
Her reliability, consistency, drive, and passion are key ingredients to Kaitlyn’s success. Recently, she was the recipient of numerous honours – Woman of Achievement 2022; Woman of Vision and Courage; Young Professional of the Year 2021; Brainz Magazine 500 Global List 2021; SHEro 2021; Future 5; and Woman of Vision and Courage 2012–2013.
Additionally, she has successfully completed workshops through several organizations such as – The Boys and Girls Club, Women’s Empowerment Series, Marian University, LaClare farms, and the Fond du Lac School District. She works tirelessly in the community to break the stigma of mental health through her Podcast, newsletter, courses, and mental health clothing line. She works collaboratively with Brainz Magazine as an Executive Contributor. And she has been identified as a Featured Alumni MNSU (2019), obtained full LPC licensure, Equine-assisted Therapy training, QPR training, and EMDR training/certification.
“I have a passion for healing others, helping them grow, and building awareness of the importance of mental health. I work with clients who have a wide variety of mental health concerns and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Therapy is a collaborative process and I use an interdisciplinary approach tailored to each client’s unique needs.”
At a time when counsellors are at the forefront of healing, how does Kaitlyn beat the rat race? “I think it’s important to recognize the rat and learn from the rat race in order to become a tiger. In fact, now I’m the tiger… hear me ROAR! And I have no plan on stopping, slowing down, or even taking a break; therefore, within the next 5 to 10 years, I will see the expansion of mental health access and services in my community. I plan to continue to positively impact the growth, prosperity, and quality of life in my community well into the future by focusing on mental health services, outreach, and proactive community involvement.”
Kaitlyn’s inspiring work has rendered her a woman’s leader in the eyes of many. How does she define her sense of leadership? She replies, “Leaders should create more leaders. True leaders encourage and facilitate others’ growth; they instill a drive for success and professional/personal development. They empower others to believe in themselves and accomplish goals. I take a grassroots and person-centered approach with my leadership. I practice breaking the stigma of mental health through my private practice and broadly throughout the community. Whether it’s a tabling event, speaking engagement, educational workshop, organizing meetings, or participating in community events, I lead by example. In the words of John Maxwell – ‘The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails’!”
