Dr. Monica Kelson, CA Psychologist 13224

Dr. Monica Kelson is a California-licensed psychologist who brings 33 years of clinical experience to her work with individuals facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, self-esteem concerns, career challenges, and compassion fatigue. She has a history of supporting people through relationship difficulties, motivation struggles, and major life transitions, helping clients build confidence and practical coping skills. As a licensed California psychologist (CA Psychologist 13224), she is authorized to provide professional mental health care in the state and applies that training to each client interaction.

Dr. Kelson emphasizes a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach in therapy, creating a welcoming space where thoughts and feelings can be explored openly. She recognizes that beginning therapy requires courage and affirms clients for taking that first step. Sessions focus on understanding the client’s goals, identifying patterns that contribute to distress, and developing concrete strategies to manage symptoms and navigate change. Dr. Kelson aims to be a steady, experienced partner in the therapeutic process and looks forward to meeting people who are ready to work toward clearer direction and greater emotional well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Dr. Kelson uses evidence-informed methods tailored to each person's needs. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns - it helps people improve connection, trust, and emotional responsiveness in close relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage depression, and change unhelpful thinking. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) supports processing of traumatic memories by using structured bilateral stimulation paired with guided recall to reduce the emotional intensity of past events.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Kelson works with clients to identify goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, and she adjusts techniques over time so therapy fits the client rather than the other way around.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people balancing work, family, or mobility needs. These options make it easier to attend appointments from different locations, maintain continuity of care during life changes, and access licensed professionals without added travel, while preserving the collaborative therapeutic relationship central to effective work.