Dusting of snow on top of Park City Mountain Canyons Village Sept 17, 2024 Photo: Michele Roepke

SALT LAKE CITY — A new mental health practice in Utah is offering a comprehensive approach to therapy, addressing trauma, sexuality, and holistic wellness under one roof.

Michelle Kelly, a certified mental health counselor and sex therapist, founded Place of Optimal Wellness (POW Therapy) in January 2021. Kelly’s credentials include CMHC (UT), LPCC (CA), AASECT Sex Therapist, EMDR Certified, and Certified Brain Health Coach.

“I mostly see patients via telehealth, and I also offer concierge therapy for people who live in Summit County; I will do therapy in their homes,” Kelly said.

Kelly’s background includes years of experience working with trauma survivors, particularly at Saprea, a local non-profit focused on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This experience led her to recognize the need for a more comprehensive approach to therapy.

POW Therapy offers a range of services designed to address complex client needs:

— Sex and Relationship Therapy: Addressing issues related to sexuality and relationships.

— EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is used to treat trauma and PTSD.

— Holistic Health: Services that complement traditional psychotherapy.

Kelly emphasizes the importance of addressing sexuality in the therapeutic process and knows that for therapy to be genuinely effective, it must consider every aspect of a person’s being.

“Sex therapy and EMDR are predominantly my specialties,” Michelle said. ” I work with adults, individuals, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ community. I grew up in Utah so I have a deep understanding of some of the cultural dynamics that influence sexuality when it comes to conservative Christians.

The practice caters to adults, couples, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Kelly stresses that effective therapy requires clients to confront all aspects of themselves, including those that may be uncomfortable.

“For people to get the most out of therapy, they need to be ready to do the work,” Kelly said.

POW Therapy aims to provide a sanctuary for those seeking comprehensive healing. Kelly’s approach encourages individuals to explore every part of themselves in a supportive environment.

As mental health awareness grows nationwide, practices like POW Therapy represent a shift towards more comprehensive healing approaches. The practice’s holistic model combines multiple therapeutic techniques to address various aspects of mental health simultaneously.

For more information vist the Place of Optimal Wellness website or visit them on Facebook.