Meet Kelly McCullough

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly McCullough. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelly , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

As a therapist, self-care is absolutely paramount. We are continually exposed to the darker sides of the human experience. Pain, suffering, uncertainty, grief, loss, trauma, and self-doubt are our main topics of discussion on a daily basis. The possibility of burning out, as a result, is very real. I feel strongly that therapists have an obligation not only to themselves but also to their patients to effectively manage their own personal self-care so that we can sustain ourselves as long-term providers in the field.
For my own self-care, I try to focus on exercise (yoga and running are my go to), personal relationships (with my husband, my son, my friends, and community), and boundary setting around work. I take intentional breaks from work on the weekend and evenings, even if I am behind on my documentation, so I have a chance to reset. My ability to stay present in sessions and feel excited to show up to work on Monday has greatly benefited from this self-care routine. I take very purposeful breaks from my cell phone in the evenings (my friends will tell you most of my personal texting is done at 6 AM before my toddler wakes up) so that I have the chance to mindfully participate in my hobbies (reading, cooking) and time with my family.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a San Diego-based therapist and the director of La Jolla Therapy Center, a group therapy practice. I am truly a relationship person and feel so fortunate I have been able to center my career on building trusting relationships. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego. I then went on to graduate with honors with a Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University. I completed the bulk of my extensive psychotherapy training by the psychiatry departments at the University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, where I worked as a staff therapist and clinical supervisor for 7 years prior to starting La Jolla Therapy Center.
I started La Jolla Therapy Center in 2018 to provide science-backed and research-based treatment to children, families, couples, and adults. Our practice is centered on building strong, trusting relationships with individuals and families in order to make change happen. Our team balances integrating evidence-based practices with the development of an empathic relationship in order to help others create a life that is fulfilling, rewarding, and worth living. We specialize in treating anxiety/OCD, depression, trauma, behavioral problems, and relationship issues. We currently have a staff of five licensed therapists who work collaboratively with individuals and families to help prioritize well-being and mental strength.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that I have found to be most critical in my business journey are resiliency, the willingness to ask questions, and hope. Resiliency is paramount because not everything is going to go “as planned” when starting your own business. There will inevitably be roadblocks along the way. The ability to pick yourself up and continue forward will help you to persevere past these inevitable challenges. Because let’s be honest, there will be challenges! When these obstacles come up, it is important to be able to admit that you do not know everything, and it is not only OK, but necessary, to ask others for help. Being honest with yourself about what you do, and do not, know is a foundational step so that you can grow as your career grows. Lastly, hope. There may be times that you doubt yourself or your abilities. There have definitely been days where I asked myself “Wait, who decided I was qualified to run a business? Oh ya, I did!” Have faith in the process, and trust that things will work out if you keep moving forward.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Our ideal client at La Jolla Therapy Center is a child or adolescent who is struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, and isn’t quite feeling like their usual self. Our clients often find areas of difficulty with managing friendships, getting along in school, and just not feeling motivated to get out of bed in the morning. We all face challenges in our life, whether it is a transition to a new school or job, conflict in relationships, or difficulty managing our emotions. La Jolla Therapy Center is here to help you create a life you love.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Zoetic Photography
Vladimir Khalafian, MD
Kelly McCullough, LCSW

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