Kelly Nelson Paynter

Licensed Professional Counselor

Board-Certified and Licensed Clinical Art Therapist

Pronouns: She/Her

Identities: Artist, Parent of Neurodivergent Child, Outdoor/River Enthusiast

Style: Creative, Nonjudgmental and Humorous

Services Provided:

• Adult Individual Therapy
• Teen Family Therapy
• Adult Family Therapy

Who I am as a Therapist

It’s easy to lose touch with what really matters—and with the parts of yourself that feel alive, authentic, and genuinely you. I help people move toward more empowered, connected, and meaningful lives, even when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves.

My work is grounded in helping people clarify what matters most to them and build lives that feel aligned with who they want to be. Together, we’ll explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that may be getting in the way and develop practical ways to move toward what matters—even when change feels uncomfortable or uncertain. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches and tailor my work to each person, rather than believing one approach fits everyone.

My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative, with room for humor and creativity. Therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical to be effective. We can be real humans in the room—sometimes that means depth, sometimes that means laughter, and often it’s both in the same session.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Art Therapist, I integrate traditional talk therapy and creative expression when it supports your process. Art therapy is always optional—no artistic skill required—and can offer another way to access insight, process emotion, and explore meaning. I value play, curiosity, and those moments of deep engagement where time seems to disappear.

I work with individuals across the lifespan navigating stress, mood concerns, trauma, identity development, relationships, parenting, attachment, and ethical non-monogamy. I’m especially passionate about helping people challenge internalized messages and social expectations that leave them feeling trapped or disconnected from their values. I tend to think outside the box—and sometimes we’ll color on it, too.

I’m committed to providing an affirming, inclusive space for all clients, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. I am sex-positive, body-positive, and kink-aware, and offer a nonjudgmental space to process and make meaning of previous psychedelic experiences.

Areas of Focus

Therapeutic Approaches 

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Art Therapy
• Attachment Based Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Therapy
• Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)
• Creative Arts Interventions
• Feminist Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Psychodynamic
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Trauma Therapy

Who I am when I'm not a Therapist

Outside of therapy, I’m a parent, artist, and lover of creativity, connection, and adventure. I enjoy spending time with my two kids and our very fluffy cat, Huckleberry, and I’m happiest camping, being on the water, or exploring somewhere new. My first job was teaching small-boat sailing on the Willamette River! Art and music play an important part in my own self-care, and I enjoy going to shows and experimenting with everything from photography and painting to sewing and collage. I’m perpetually curious about learning something new, making something with my hands, and finding beauty in unexpected places and with lovely people.

Training & Experience  

• I bring nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, including work in crisis, psychiatric, residential, community-based, and private practice settings with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan.
• My experience includes working with trauma, attachment, emotional regulation, complex family systems, relationships, and significant life transitions, with a strong emphasis on collaborative, strengths-based care.
• As a Licensed Clinical and Board-Certified Art Therapist, I integrate creative and expressive approaches into therapy to support self-exploration, emotional processing, connection, and healing.
• I have extensive training in crisis intervention, verbal de-escalation, safety planning, and supporting people experiencing acute distress or high-risk behavior.
• I also bring a lifelong appreciation for the therapeutic power of creativity, nature, animals, movement, and adventure, informed by experiences as a sailing instructor, camp director, and equine therapy collaborator.