Hello, my name is Kelsey Milam (she/her/hers). I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. I have always had a calling for helping others, and I am so grateful to have found the career path of clinical social work. I was inspired to become a therapist after I met with a therapist after my father passed away when I was a young girl. I know first-hand how scary it can be to share your story, but trust me having an un-biased, non-judgmental, listening ear can go a long way. I received my Master of Social Work from UNC-Charlotte in 2017, and my Bachelor of Social Work from Western Carolina University in 2015. I am originally from a small town outside of Charlotte—Lincolnton, North Carolina. I am known for my southern accent and always being myself. I enjoy being outdoors just as much as I love watching Netflix while cuddling my cat. I have gained valuable skills working in various settings, including non-profit work, public health, research, and inpatient hospitalization. My experiences have allowed me to work with people of all ages, across diverse backgrounds, and on the individual, family, and group level. I work with individuals aged 12 and up, couples, and families. Prior to joining Wake Counseling & Mediation, I worked with adults who have chronic health conditions using my training in Lifestyle Medicine, a holistic approach to preventing disease through nutrition, exercise, and self-care habits. I additionally have worked closely with the gender diverse population by addressing anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria, creating a support group, and engaging in research to better gender affirming care. I also have clinical experience in counseling pregnant & postpartum women, their children and families. I am also certified as a Positive Parenting Program provider (also known as Triple P) and a Strengthening Families Program facilitator. Triple P is one of the few evidence-based parenting programs backed by years of research. Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage their children’s behavior and prevent problems developing. Strengthening Families Program is a 14 week curriculum aimed to train parents in positive nurturing skills, and youth in social life skills, to create happy, stable families and proven to prevent engagement in substance use. Depending on your needs, I utilize a variety of modalities including Solutions-Focused, Psychodynamic, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Exposure Therapy. I prefer to use a multicultural, person-centered, and strengths-based lens in all situations. No matter the setting or population, I provide a passionate and caring approach for patients to work through all of life’s challenges, whether that be chronic illness, major life transitions, mental health concerns including anxiety, depression trauma, and sexual or gender identity journey. As a counselor, I am here to listen, partner with you, and offer support for you to overcome obstacles, meet your goals, and ultimately live your best life possible.