Kelli Penner, LMFT, Clinical Director (she/her)
BIO:
I'm Kelli, she/her, LFMT (CA #79102, TX #204019), the Clinical Director of Spaces Therapy, a dedicated supervisor, and therapist.
My approach is that of a relational therapist working from an Attachment-Based perspective. This means I believe that the relationships we experience throughout our lives significantly shape how we view the world and ourselves. I work collaboratively with clients to help them better understand how this lens might impact their ability to authentically connect with others and engage in present-minded living. At Spaces Therapy, I believe that while clear boundaries are crucial, I also show up as a human, actively working to understand how my own perspectives interact with yours and the broader community. This process allows me to provide client-centered, strengths-based, and securely-attuned care, always mindful of fostering a decolonized practice rooted in challenging Western-European assumptions.
Guiding Principles:
Throughout my career, I have come to learn and believe that, despite what many of us therapists were taught early in our training, we cannot actually be “blank slates”. While I do strongly believe in the importance of clear boundaries in the therapeutic relationship, I also know that I am a human with my own perspectives, needs, and biases. It is not my job to turn those parts of myself off in the therapy room, but instead to do the important work of understanding how my clients’ perspectives, needs, and biases interact with my own and the greater community at large. Through this process I work to provide client-centered, strengths-based, and securely-attuned care that helps each individual better understand themselves and their experiences in the world. I also see it as my responsibility as both a therapist and a human, to ensure that I am consistently working to unlearn perspectives and narratives that are rooted in white-body privilege. As a cis white-bodied woman, I have a responsibility to understand how my experiences might differ from those with other lived experiences, and be sure that my work is de-colonized (i.e. de-pathologized, clients seen as equal participants, challenging to Western-European assumptions of dominance).
My Style of Therapy:
Collaborative
I highly value your input and will often ask for it. Therapy is most effective when you actively engage your agency to shape the treatment. We'll discuss goals, strategies, our working relationship, and how your needs evolve over time. If this feels new, I can guide you through the process.
Straightforward
I believe clients deserve an authentic version of me. Just as I expect clients to reflect on what's working and not, I do the same. I'll always strive to act from a place of support while providing direct feedback. Our aim isn't to agree, but for you to gain clarity on what's serving you and what isn't. I might use humor to offer a playful challenge, and you're welcome to do the same.
Supportive
I advocate for my clients and believe no one should navigate life alone. Beyond creating a safe and supportive relationship in sessions, I help clients connect with essential skills, community resources, and supplemental healing opportunities for well-rounded support. For those navigating anxiety in relationships or seeking relationship therapy, my supportive stance helps foster security and growth.
I’m Particularly Good at Working With:
Children and teens struggling with anxiety therapy and identity formation, helping them translate their experiences to parents/caregivers.
Couples, especially those within the LGBTQIA+ community, learning to better connect and communicate through Couples Therapy.
Adults who have experienced childhood trauma, including those with C-PTSD.
I Hold Space For:
LGBTQIA+, Kids, Teens, Complex Trauma
As well as: Anxiety, Anxiety in Relationships, Avoidance in Relationships, Behavioral Issues, Communication Issues, Depression, Family Struggles, Life Direction, Living Authentically, Peer Relationships, Nonbinary Issues, Relationship Issues, Self-Image, Sex Positive, Spiritual Abuse, Spirituality, Stress, Teens Issues, Trauma, Vulnerability Issues, Women’s Issues
Services I Offer:
Individual Therapy
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Couples/Relationship Therapy
Family Therapy
Parenting Therapy & Consultations
Supervision Consultations
CREDENTIALS:
B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in Community Counseling
M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Location:
In-Person in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles (Northeast)
Virtually Anywhere in California or Texas
If you’re not sure what therapist you would like to work with, book a call with our care coordinator here. If you would like to work with Kelli, you can schedule a consultation call or session with her at the button below.