a woman with a laptop computer and a laptop
a woman with a laptop computer and a laptop

Kelsey is accepting new clients in CT!

Schedule: Tuesdays 4pm-8pm

Thursdays 4pm-7pm

Saturday 9am-11am

Insurance: Kelsey is in network with Aetna, Husky, and Cigna insurance.

Schedule a free 15 minute introductory phone call or your first therapy session now!

Kelsey Rai, LMFTA

Offering individual, family, and couples counseling for adults and families who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, conflict, major life transitions, stress, & more.

Do you feel burned out and stuck in unhealthy patterns?

Life doesn't come with an instruction manual, especially when it comes to navigating emotions, expectations, and finding your authentic self.

You might have started noticing that you're constantly second-guessing yourself, whether it's in relationships, career decisions, or just daily interactions.

Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety that feels overwhelming, or dealing with depression that makes everything seem harder than it should be.

Maybe you're at a crossroads in life—whether you're in your twenties figuring out who you want to be, in your thirties questioning your choices, or later in life feeling like you've lost touch with yourself entirely. The pressure to have it all together while managing everyone else's emotions and expectations feels impossible to sustain.

If any of this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. Here's what I often hear from the adults I work with:

  • Feeling disconnected from activities and people you used to enjoy

  • Questioning whether the sadness and overwhelm you're experiencing is normal or something more serious

  • Lying awake replaying that argument with your partner, wondering how a simple conversation turned into a fight

  • Feeling your chest tighten when you think about upcoming family events or social gatherings

  • Snapping at your kids over something small, then spending the rest of the day feeling like a terrible parent

  • Noticing traumatic events from the past are starting to effect the present, negatively impacting your mood and relationships with others

  • Feeling overwhelmed by work stress but not knowing how to set boundaries or ask for help

  • Getting anxious about making decisions, even small ones, because you're afraid of choosing wrong

  • Wanting deeper friendships but feeling too exhausted or socially awkward to put yourself out there

The good news is that these struggles don't have to define your life.

With the right support and tools, you can learn to manage your emotions, build confidence, and create the authentic, fulfilling life you deserve.

Who I Help

My personal and professional experience has enabled me to specialize in serving adults with a wide variety of needs.

three woman sitting near the flower
three woman sitting near the flower
a woman sitting on a couch with her legs crossed
a woman sitting on a couch with her legs crossed
Adults Navigating Life's Challenges

Life is full of changes, and sometimes we need a little extra support to navigate them. I help adults facing:

  • Anxiety and/or Panic Attacks

  • Depression and grief

  • ADHD

  • Major life changes (graduation, divorce, moving, career change)

  • Caring for aging parents

  • Family conflict

  • Work/academic related stressors

Therapy for Women

Women and mothers face unique challenges and deserve a specialized approach. I support women who are struggling with:

  • PMDD or Menopause

  • Pregnancy & Post-partum related stressors

  • Recovery from distressing or traumatic experiences

  • Loss of identity following major life changes (divorce, motherhood, leaving or re-entering the workforce)

  • Challenging family dynamics

  • Peer and romantic relationships

  • Aging and/or body image issues

man kissing woman in grass area
man kissing woman in grass area
Couples Counseling

Whether you're engaged, married, or considering separation, therapy can provide a safe space to process:

  • Communication struggles

  • Conflict

  • Family and cultural dynamics

  • Struggles related to parenthood (infertility, post partum, miscarriages, etc)

  • Challenges related to in-laws

  • Different views related to gender roles, division of labor, parenting styles

  • Rebuilding trust

  • Understanding how past experiences in childhood and early adulthood impact your current relationship

My Specialties & Proven Techniques
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) recognizes that we all have different "parts" of ourselves—like the perfectionist part, the people-pleaser part, or the inner critic part. This approach is particularly powerful for folks who feel conflicted about their choices or struggle with inner criticism. Through IFS, you'll develop a stronger sense of your authentic self and learn to lead your life from that centered, confident place.

  • Strategic Therapy is a practical, solution-focused approach that concentrates on changing specific behaviors and patterns that are causing problems in your life. Rather than spending months analyzing why problems exist, we work together to develop concrete strategies and interventions that create immediate positive changes.

    This approach is particularly effective for anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts because it provides you with tangible tools and techniques you can use right away. Strategic therapy empowers you to become an active agent of change in your own life, building confidence as you see real results from your efforts.

  • Structural Family Therapy focuses on understanding and improving the patterns and dynamics within your relationships and family system. We examine the "structure" of your relationships—who has power, how decisions are made, what roles everyone plays, and how boundaries are maintained.

    This approach is especially helpful for couples and families who feel stuck in repetitive conflicts or unhealthy patterns. By reorganizing these structures and creating clearer boundaries and roles, families can function more effectively and individuals can feel more supported and valued within their relationships.

two women sitting at a table with a cup of coffee
two women sitting at a table with a cup of coffee

Creating a Safe Space for Your Healing Journey

My approach to therapy is rooted in creating a warm and welcoming environment where you can truly be yourself without judgment. I believe healing happens best when you feel genuinely seen and accepted, so I bring my authentic self to our sessions and invite you to do the same. My open-minded perspective means I meet you exactly where you are, without assumptions about what your life should look like or what choices you should make.

I'm naturally affirming in my style, which means I help you recognize your inherent strengths and worth, especially when you're struggling to see them yourself. Rather than focusing solely on what's wrong, I work to empower you by highlighting your resilience and helping you discover the tools you already have within you to create positive change.

person sitting in a chair in front of a man
person sitting in a chair in front of a man

What to expect:

The people I work with often find that therapy becomes a journey back to themselves—rediscovering the confidence and inner knowing that life's challenges may have buried or dimmed. As we work together to develop healthier ways of managing stress, emotions, and relationships, you'll likely notice a growing sense of clarity about who you are and what you truly want from life.

My goal isn't just to help you get through tough times, but to support you in creating a life that genuinely reflects your values and brings you fulfillment.

Whether you're a young adult navigating major life transitions and figuring out your path, struggling with anxiety that feels overwhelming, working through depression that makes everything seem harder, or part of a couple trying to reconnect and strengthen your relationship, we'll build on the strengths you already possess.

a woman with a smile on her face
a woman with a smile on her face

Through our work together, you'll develop practical tools for managing difficult emotions while also cultivating a stronger, more compassionate relationship with yourself and those you care about most.

On a personal note:

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family. We like to bring our children to the beach, have picnics, and go on day trips and explore New England. When I'm craving some "me time" I like to curl up on the couch and watch my favorite show, Greys Anatomy.

a wooden path leading to a beach
a wooden path leading to a beach

Contact Me

At NECC, we commit to responding to every message we receive.

Most of the time we respond within 24 hours.