Dr. Kelly Wise, Ph.D, LCSW-R, CST
Director, Supervisor, and Lead Therapist
I know what it’s like to show up to therapy and think, “This again?”
“I thought I worked through this!”
“Why is this still affecting me?”
Whether you’re dealing with challenges around intimacy, communication, sexual function concerns, sexual/gender identity concerns, depression, or anxiety, I know what it’s like to want to just throw in the towel and say, “This is too hard, and I am too tired to do this work.”
I also know that we, as people, can change.
It takes hard work, and it’s possible—even when you think it may not be.
As a therapist with a Masters in Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work, a PhD in Human Sexuality from Widener University, and additional training as a Certified Sex Therapist, I’ve helped so many people feel better over the years. It takes showing up and facing the hard stuff—there’s no other way.
I know—not just as a therapist, but as a person who’s been there—that there is a path to healing, and we can create it together.
Messages about sex are everywhere, but real, honest sex education is lacking.
Sex, sexuality, and intimacy are concepts that we spend a lot of time pondering, but have few people or places in our lives where these topics are acceptable to bring up. This leaves us to feel that we are isolated and alone. The truth, is everyone has sexual and intimacy concerns, but society doesn’t help us sort this stuff out.
I have always struggled with taboo topics. As a child, I had questions about subjects that were not acceptable to talk about. I noticed that when I asked parents or teachers everyone would clam up, and there would be so much tension in the room. As a childhood trauma survivor, orphan, adoptee, transgender person, and pansexual, I started therapy at 13, but, even in therapy, I wasn’t always comfortable talking about subjects like sexuality and gender.
In starting Wise Therapy, I wanted build a therapeutic space in which it’s comfortable to talk about any and all taboo topics. I believe that personal growth and self reflection come from support, guidance, and nurturance, and I aim to create a safe environment where people can discuss their desires, fears, dreams, and beliefs about themselves.
Resilience is built relationally so, even when you feel that no-one believes in you, I can. It’s scary to look within, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Through the experience, training, and presence I bring to session with you, I aim to create a container in which you feel cared for, respected, loved, and worthy. I hope you’ll be open to trusting me. I’ll show up weekly and reflect the good things I see in you until you’re able to take those messages in and hold them yourself.
I know this for sure: the only way out is through.
This is how we repair, build, and grow.