About Therapist Kelli Carter:
Hi, my name is Kelli Carter. I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor at Montgomery Counseling Center, in Rockville, Maryland. I am so excited to officially join the Montgomery County Counseling Center team after interring here during graduate school. It is my belief that each of us desires to have a healthy relationship with ourselves and those around us. But the reality is developing healthy relationships is difficult and can sometimes feel unattainable. My hope is through counseling we can explore how to build relationships with others and yourself that will help you in your daily life. I will work with you to create the changes in your life you desire, by creating goals with you that will move you towards positive change. I believe each of us is doing the best we can with what we have. And it is my goal to help you gain more self-awareness and give you resources so you can be your best self and grow in healthy relationships with others.
Relationships are hard and messy and we often don’t know what to do or where to go when challenges arise. I can walk beside you as we explore your hidden potential to develop thriving relationships in your life.
Education and Experience as a Therapist
I received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I then worked with medically fragile infants and children and their families as they navigated broken expectations and new medical challenges in a long-term care facility for children. After moving to DC Metro area in 2009, I worked with a home health company as Client Services Manager helping seniors age in place with independence and dignity.
I received my master’s in clinical mental health from Messiah University. While in graduate school I gained a wealth of information and training in a variety of evidence-based counseling practices. I have worked with Synergy Family Services doing home-based services in Maryland in their outpatient mental health clinic I provide strength-based counseling through mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Gestalt Therapy to individuals and couples. I am trained in the Prepare and Enrich Model for premarital counseling and certified in Gottman Level 1 which is my primary approach to couples work.
Specialties
- Couples Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Crisis
- Trauma
- Life Transitions
- Adoption
What Clients Say About Working With Kelli
My spouse and I have been working with Kelli for over a year. We could not be more happy working with her and we look forward to every therapy session we have with her. It is great to have a neutral party who pushes us to confront challenges and also recognizes our growth.”
Kelli is organized and easy to work with. She comes across as prepared and really listens to what is being said, and does so in a way that is kind, gentle, and non-shaming. It feels like she has a plan and a path forward. I really struggled to find the right couples therapist for my wife and me. I feel so grateful to have found such a great therapist.”
I love how I feel safe to express myself. I thought I could never change and move past my trauma but I feel like I can handle things better now. I love what this practice as a whole stands for!”
I love working with Kelli because she helps us ask questions that build empathy, figure out what the core problem is, and figure out how to move forward. She does all of this without telling us directly what to do. She gives us to tools to do it on our own, which makes our growth sustainable even after we finish working with her. Kelli is an awesome therapist. I would, and have, recommended her to others!
Personal Life
My family is what makes me smile. I have been married for 15 years and have three kids who keep me on my toes. We also have a 1-year old puppy who helps keep us moving.
Watching NFL football is a family activity we all enjoy along with hiking, kayaking and just being in nature. In between being a soccer coach, mom and wife, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes to enjoy with friends and family.
I am an affirming clinician who supports the rights and dignity of all persons. I am committed to advocating for all people and come to the counseling relationship with cultural humility.
Contact Kelli Carter
Email: kelli@mccounselingcenter.com
Blogs and Publications
The First Steps to A Happy and Healthy Marriage
Worth The Work: How to Save Your Relationship
Embracing Different Holiday Traditions This Year