meet the owner
KELSEE MINKIS MS, LMHC, NCC, CIMHP
My name is Kelsee Minkis and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, Licensed Educator, and Outdoor Enthusiast based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I’m passionate about empowering others through mental health care, psycho-education, and outdoor recreation, which is why I founded Hemlock Counseling Services in 2021.
some things to know about me:
I walk the talk. Actively engaged in my own therapy and coaching, I thrive off of accountability and value being a healthy helper as I support YOU!
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients as a former school counselor, rock climbing instructor, and dance coach. I completed my Bachelors degree at Indiana University and my Masters at Butler University.
get to know kelsee
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
The words most often used to describe me are: Calming, Adventurous, Authentic, Intuitive, and Goofy. I've also been referred to as "tiny but mighty" due to my work ethic and 5ft stature.
In addition to operating my counseling practice, I am an adjunct professor, mental health programming developer, podcast host, and business coach for other clinicians.
In my free time I enjoy triathlons, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, and foraging. I love to adventure with my husband Alek, or spend time by the fireplace with my cat, Ana.
a few more things about me:
I’m a sober gal, usually drinking a La Croix or hot cocoa.
I love to cook. Currently on a soft-boiled egg kick!
I keep a special stash of cash specifically for Long’s Donuts.
My favorite animals are worms and bats.
I'm a big fan of live concerts and comedy shows.
I'm always reading; currently the Throne of Glass series and The Fountainhead (a favorite).
training and credentials
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
2019; Butler University; Indianapolis, IN
Nationally Certified Counselor
2019; National Board for Certified Counselors
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional
2024; PESI, Evergreen Certifications
Licensed School Counselor (Indiana, K–12)
2019; Butler University; Indianapolis, IN
QPR Certified
2018; Indianapolis, IN
Grief Group Facilitator Training
2018; Brooke's Place; Indianapolis, IN
Suicide Prevention Advocate & Volunteer
2021; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
BS Applied Health Science
MAJOR: Human Development and Family Studies
MINOR: Human Sexuality
2016; Indiana University; Bloomington, IN
MS Education
CONCENTRATION: School Counseling
CERTIFICATE: Mental Health Counseling
2019; Butler University; Indianapolis, IN
THEORETICAL, EVIDENCE-BASED, PERSONAL
my counseling philosophy
01
I believe that our thoughts are powerful and when we change our thoughts, we change our life. As a result, much of my work is rooted in Cognitive, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My Person Centered practices also draw from elements of EMDR, Mindfulness Training, Eco-therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Acceptance & Commitment, Gestalt, Attachment, and Behavioral Theories. I take a trauma-informed approach.
02
I believe all people are capable of facilitating their own growth, healing, and self-actualization when given the right support and guidance. This is why I take an empowering, strengths-based, person-centered approach to providing you with the support you need to achieve your goals as a resilient human being.
03
I believe that therapy is a partnership. We will work together to develop your treatment plan in order to meet your needs and achieve your goals. We are both experts in our own way. Don't expect to let therapy happen to you. Therapy is active, challenging, and hard work that continues to take effect in-between sessions.
04
I believe clients have a right to understand the therapeutic process. I take a psycho-educational approach with therapy, meaning that I teach clients along the way. I will be transparent because I want you to understand the approaches we are taking, so that you are empowered. There’s no secrets here.
05
I believe that nature can be highly therapeutic. The outdoors can facilitate new personal insights and a unique personal growth that does not occur indoors. This is why I provide an outdoor therapy experience.
06
I believe in walking my own talk. This is why I also am participating in my own mental health counseling, mentorship, and seeing my primary care physicians regularly. I believe this is a crucial element of responsibly providing you care.
07
I believe that we are holistic beings, and that our physical, mental, social, and spiritual healths are intertwined; Impacting one, affects all the others. Your holistic health is important to me, so I am happy to collaborate with any other practitioners you are working with, and encourage you to seek support for those tenants of wellness too.
08
I understand that traditional therapy can often seem too formal and intimidating. Staring into a therapist's eyes while sitting in a stuffy office chair isn't the best environment for every client. My solution to this is to use a soothing, positive, and strengths-based approach to help clients reach their goals while blending outdoor recreation and movement as a part of the therapeutic process. Overall, my goal is to meet you where you are as you aim to reach your goals. Many of my clients remove their shoes, curl up on the coach, or even sit on the floor during session.
kelsee's story
A NATURAL CONNECTION
As a child, most of my weekends and school breaks were spent in the woods — often in Southern Indiana at Hemlock Cliffs, one of my family's favorite adventure spots. But throughout adolescence and early adulthood, I spent less and less time in nature.
A series of life transitions and relational pains later, I began to reconnect with the outdoors through long walks, backpacking trips, meditative bike rides, rock climbing community, and park bench talks with friends. While growing through my own journey, two things remained clear to me:
1. Nature provided a nice exhale and safe setting to process my grief and pain.
2. Movement provided a sense of empowerment and healing when life seemed out of my control.
a canopy of hemlock trees above
paved the way for my own healing
and a conglomerate of rocks and roots below
hemlock:
THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME
I named my counseling practice after the Hemlock trees that embody what I want my clients (and myself) to be:
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They are one of the few trees that grow and thrive in dark, shady places.
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They have deep roots which give them strength and resilience through all whether.
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They are coniferous trees, bearing fruit (pinecones) and remaining green no matter the season.
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They contribute greatly to the ecosystem around them, providing life-giving nutrients to the water systems nearby.
Hemlock trees remind us that there is still room for growth and prosperity, and that we can still stand tall no matter the season.
