Our Approach
Hello! Welcome to Kelly Hilst Counseling, where we offer personalized, neurodiversity-affirming therapy for children, teens, parents, and caregivers.
Our work is informed by relational neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and attachment research, and our clinicians have advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Executive Functioning Support.
We create a safe and accepting space where we value, respect, and celebrate people of all backgrounds and identities.
In our work with children and teens…
We use research-backed methods tailored to suit each developmental stage. Using a blend of play therapy techniques, mindfulness, sand tray, movement activities, and sensory integration, we support young people in navigating their emotions, building resilience, and developing the crucial coping skills that allow their best self to shine!
Our team is made up of current and former Licensed School Counselors (PreK-12), and we’re familiar with the supports and accommodations that can help children thrive. Once we uncover your child’s strengths and the strategies that work, we can help you work collaboratively with teachers and schools to put these tools in place.
We blend humor, creativity, and skill to make the therapeutic journey engaging and meaningful.
We support people of all ages with…
✦ ADHD
✦ Anxiety
✦ Sensory sensitivities
✦ Executive functioning
✦ LGBTQAI+ affirmation 🌈
✦ Gifted & Twice-exceptional
✦ Behavior challenges
✦ Self-esteem
✦ Depression
✦ Life transitions
✦ Impact of adoption
✦ Trauma recovery
✦ Family changes
✦ Identity exploration
✦ Grief and loss
About the Team
Kelly Hilst, MA, LPC
Katie McCormick, MA, LPCC
I’m a passionate advocate for a world where minds of all kinds are celebrated and supported! I feel so grateful to connect with fellow neurodivergent families through my work in counseling.
In my free time, I love visiting museums with my family, discovering new coffee shops, swimming, and making seasonal Spotify playlists.
I spend a lot of time with kids, and they ask the BEST questions. A few recent ones: “What is your favorite color?” (Aqua); “What is your favorite emotion?” (Delight); “What’s your dog’s name?” (I have two: Wall-E and Otis); “Do you make mistakes?” (Yes); “Do you like worms?” (Sure?); “What’s your favorite thing?” (Hot Springs or snorkeling, hard to choose); “Do you have kids?” (Two).
I believe in the power of healing through creative expression, and my passion for art, music, philosophy, comix, and literature is infused into my therapy practice. I’m a constant reader who carries dog-eared books everywhere. I often discover poignant messages in children’s books, which I delight in sharing with clients of all ages. Don’t be surprised if I recommend a book, or even ask if I can read you a story ;)
My name is Kateri McCormick, but please call me Katie! I offer an affirming and welcoming space for children and families to feel understood, supported, and more confident.
In addition to my work as a Child & Family Therapist, I am a full-time School Counselor, which gives me a strong understanding of the social, emotional, and academic pressures kids face every day. I’m intentional about meeting each child right where they’re at, so we can work together to build a path forward that feels manageable and meaningful.
I use strengths-based and solution-focused strategies to help kids manage anxiety, improve mood, handle big emotions, and feel more in control of their thoughts and behaviors. My style is warm, supportive, and collaborative so that clients feel safe, understood, and encouraged to grow.
As a parent to two young adult children, I’ve navigated the the ups and downs that families go through. Now, as an empty nester, I bring both personal experience and professional knowledge into my work with families.