Equitable Trauma-Focused Therapy: Spotlight on Kelly Klene, LCSW

Maria Droste Counseling Center is a Denver-based nonprofit mental health service organization comprised of mental health professionals, learners and volunteers who are passionate about community, learning, and service. Our uniquely sustainable model of traditional and co-located mental health counseling and clinical training is delivered in collaboration with a group of expert private clinicians, The Therapist Group (TTG). 

The Therapist Group is a collective of licensed counselors, social workers, and psychologists with varied areas of expertise that are committed to providing high-quality, private counseling services to ensure that each individual is receiving the best care possible. With a unique model for giving back, TTG trains and supervises more than 20 graduate level therapists from six universities throughout Colorado. These student therapists treat individuals in a variety of settings including schools, supportive housing, and integrated care settings. They provide services to a diverse group of people regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more about our educational and service model here.

In 2022, we will be featuring a TTG member each month to highlight our many wonderful providers and the importance of the work they do with Maria Droste. This month, we will be featuring Kelly Klene, LCSW.

TTG Highlight: Kelly Klene, LCSW

Kelly Klene, LCSW was introduced to Maria Droste Counseling Center as a clinical intern in the 2016-2017 cohort. During her internship, she was struck by the sense of community and shared that she “learned a lot and felt heard and valued” at MDCC. As she began her career, Kelly was looking for a private practice to join. The Therapist Group felt like a natural step for her as she’d maintained connection with folks at MDCC. Since joining TTG, Kelly shared that she has been “super impressed by the continuation of community. Folks may leave and join, but there is always a strong community of incredible staff and TTG members.”

In addition to its great community, Kelly shared that she has also remained invested in MDCC because of its equity work. 

I saw a lot of organizations after June 2020 begin to be engaged in anti-racism work, but after 2 months they stopped. MDCC on the other hand has continued to be engaged, and I’ve been impressed with the continuity and focus. MDCC has anti-racism trainings, spaces for BIPOC folks, and intentional meetings around being mindful about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in ways that I don’t see in other organizations. I’ve been impressed by MDCC’s open conversations and drive to create a more equitable and inclusive behavioral health workforce and services, and that has kept me invested in the agency as well.

Kelly Klene, LCSW

Supervisee Story

Kelly’s former supervisee at Maria Droste and current mentee, Joe Cardamone, spoke with us about his experience working with Kelly. 

Joe:

Each supervision was such a valuable experience as Kelly encouraged and supported me through the internship. She pushed me to believe in myself while maintaining support and reassurance that I could lean on her. 

Kelly has a way of creating warmth, safety, and groundedness in her work as a supervisor.

Joe Cardamone, MSW, LSW

Kelly went above and beyond as a supervisor. She turned supervisions into much more for me to gain practical experience in the field. I was able to gain experience in EMDR groups, work in Kelly’s private practice, and more. I look to Kelly as a professional mentor, guide, and ally in my work. We continue to stay in contact with each other and in connection to Maria Droste. 

Kelly’s Approach: Trauma-Focused

Kelly shared multiple modalities and theories that she enjoys using in her practice. Her preferred modalities include Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Trauma Systems Theory. Although she often uses these, Kelly finds herself using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) most frequently. Kelly explained that she feels EMDR is a great way for clients to reach their goals when discussing phobias and traumas.

“I enjoy using EMDR because it typically provides my clients with relief much quicker than the other modalities. I can tailor its length and intensity depending on the client, and I think that makes it incredibly effective.”

Kelly Klene, LCSW

How to contact Kelly

Interested in seeking therapy from Kelly Klene, LCSW? Feel free to reach out by emailing her at Kelly@CairnCounselingDenver.com (preferred) or by calling her at 720-515-0194. You can also reach Kelly by requesting her through Maria Droste’s Access Center at 303-867-4600. Kelly is not currently accepting new clients, but she has a waitlist available for folks who are looking for 1 six-hour session to work on a specific trauma, or for continuous sessions. Depending on the interest, the timeline for new clients can be more flexible. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, please contact Colorado Crisis Services by calling 844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. Learn more about Maria Droste’s counseling services here.