Meet Kelsey
Hi my name is Kelsey Kjellsen and I am a licensed professional counselor, clinical
supervisor, and owner of Just Be Counseling Services, LLC. I am originally from the
cold and snowy state of South Dakota, which is where I received my Bachelor's
Degree in Psychology from Augustana College (now Augustana University). My life
purpose of helping others was solidified after a personal health issue as I knew I
wanted to help people through their challenging times.
I moved to Arizona to pursue a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from
Arizona State University. After graduating, I counseled for over two years in an
outpatient treatment center working with adults, children, and families. I then
transitioned to private practice work where I continued working with a variety of clients,
including couples. Over the years, I have obtained specific training in ACT Therapy,
Anxiety, Trauma, Mindfulness, and Active Parenting Programs. I use a mixed methods
approach to tailor treatment specifically to the needs of each client. Other methods used in my practice are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
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Building a safe and trusting relationship is my first goal with all my clients. I believe positive outcomes in therapy starts with a genuine therapeutic relationship. Some of my experience includes working with individuals with behavioral challenges, mood disorders, Autism, family dynamic challenges, social concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions/values . I strongly believe in a family approach when working with children to help create a positive and supportive team during their challenging time. I facilitate Active Parenting Workshops for parents and Social Skills Groups for children who struggle with social interactions.
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When not working, I enjoy spending my time with my husband and twin daughters. I am fortunate to have my family living nearby as well. I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and golfing; traveling, my fair share of reality tv, and adding to our "House Project" list.
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"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a desitnation."
-Carl Rogers
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Email: kelsey@justbecounselingservices.com
Phone: (970) 510-6911
Kelsey Kjellsen
Meet Brett (Accepting New Clients)
Hi, my name is Brett Wladis and I’m a licensed professional counselor. I was born and
raised in Massachusetts. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and
communication sciences from the University of Connecticut. In 2013, I moved
cross-country to obtain my Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University.
Since 2015, I have provided counseling services to adults in both a private practice
setting and at behavioral health clinics across the valley. I have extensive experience
working with a wide variety of concerns. I particularly enjoy helping adult clients deal
with life transitions, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues,
trauma, men's issues, and grief.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, client-focused, and goal-oriented. I utilize
evidenced-based therapeutic modalities—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—in order to ensure quality outcomes for my clients. I am fully certified in EMDR which is recommended as a highly effective modality for the treatment of trauma and have extensive training and experience with DBT. I also incorporate mindfulness practices and existential approaches into sessions, when appropriate.
I am dedicated to helping my clients gain a better understanding of themselves and their issues. It is my aim to help my clients identify and overcome barriers that are keeping them from achieving their goals so that they may lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy reading, writing, playing basketball, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and being in nature.
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Email: brett@justbecounselingservices.com
Phone: (602) 845-9575
Brett Wladis
Meet Jamie (Accepting New Clients)
Hello! My name is Jamie Nottberg, and I am a licensed associate counselor under the
supervision of Kelsey Kjellsen at Just Be Counseling Services, LLC. I was born and raised
in Kansas but recently moved to Arizona to explore, learn, and meet new people! I have
a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
from Avila University. After my own personal experience with mental health, I knew that
my purpose in life was to help people find their own inner light again.
During my internship and year after graduating, I worked at an intensive outpatient
program that specialized in eating disorders. While there, I worked with individuals, group
therapy, exposure therapy, and family therapy. My approach to therapy is unique in that
it is tailored to fit you, your needs, and your goals, while you explore the complexities of
your life. I utilize an eclectic mix of modalities, cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical
behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and yoga. I enjoy working with youth, adults,
couples, and families with a variety of concerns including, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, communication struggles, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, family dynamic concerns, and stress management. I also love supporting individuals within the LGBTQIA2+ community and their families.
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I believe that a safe, nonjudgmental, and genuine therapeutic alliance is the essential foundation for client growth and healing in therapy. I truly feel that clients have what they need inside of them to become their higher self. Life, trauma, old tapes, new tapes become the blockages that hinder one's authentic self.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife (Lindsey) and our four doggies (Phoebe, Bella, Bennie, and Tiny). I enjoy traveling, hiking, lifting weights, doing yoga, and exploring Arizona!
“You’re imperfect and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
Brene Brown
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Jamie Nottberg
Meet Sophie (Accepting New Clients)
Hello, and congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey! My name is
Sophie Spencer (she/her), and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor at Just Be
Counseling Services. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I received my Bachelor’s in
Psychology and Master’s in Counseling from Arizona State University.
I work well with clients navigating relationship struggles, trauma, anxiety, or depression.
Many of the people I see describe themselves as self-aware. Maybe it’s easy for you to
notice your patterns, but you can’t quite seem to interrupt and change these cycles. If
this sounds familiar, I can help you build the skills, new perspectives, and confidence to
start making real and lasting changes.
I particularly enjoy helping clients get to know the different parts of themselves. Maybe you have noticed a critical voice, an angry part, or an anxious side of yourself that shows up often. Together, we’ll explore these parts with curiosity and compassion so you can feel less at war with yourself.
In our sessions, we will focus on building safety, increasing mindfulness, and learning skills you can use in daily life. I believe therapy can be both meaningful and lighthearted, so I often bring humor into sessions when it feels helpful. As a therapist, I like to invite all of you into the room. I enjoy weaving in your personal interests, like favorite music or spirituality, into our work together.
I have experience working with LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and BIPOC populations. In therapy, I believe in naming and addressing the systemic issues that are affecting your health and well-being.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family!
"Let nothing dim the light that shines from within."
- Maya Angelou
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Sophie Spencer
Meet Amy (Accepting New Clients)
Hi there, my name’s Amy Stuart! It’s a privilege to be able to introduce myself and
share a little bit about who I am as a human and clinician. I’m a Licensed Associate
Counselor under the clinical supervision of Kelsey Kjellsen (LPC) at Just Be
Counseling Services. I completed my bachelor's degree in justice studies at Arizona
State University and my master's degree in counseling at Wake Forest University.
I believe therapy should feel like a conversation, so my approach is warm, honest,
and sprinkled with humor. I specialize in working with parents, older teens, and busy
professionals, especially those who feel like they’re constantly running on empty or
relying on substances just to get through the week.
Whether you're dealing with stress, burnout, family dynamics, or major life transitions, I’m here to help you gain insight into unhelpful patterns, implement practical strategies for managing daily challenges, and develop healthier ways to cope. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, connection, and self-compassion in a way that feels both manageable and meaningful.
In our time together, you can expect a supportive space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. My goal is to help you untangle the tough stuff, reconnect with yourself, and maybe even laugh a little along the way.
My story started in New Jersey, but I have lived in Arizona since I was just a kid. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, working out, gardening, watching Star Trek, baking delicious pastries, and spending time with loved ones. Thank you for considering Just Be Counseling Services and taking the time to learn more about me. I look forward to supporting you!
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“As we become aware of ourselves as storytellers, we realize we can use our stories to heal and make ourselves whole.”
– Susan Wittig Albert
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Amy Stuart
