Chelsea Kelligher, Ph.D.

Education

Ph.D. in Urban Education: Counseling Psychology Specialization, Cleveland State University 

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, John Carroll University 

Professional Interests

Eating disorders, body image concerns, trauma, accessibility of mental health treatment, multicultural counseling, feminist perspectives, LGBTQIA+ populations, and adolescent and young adult populations 

About Me

I am a Psychology Postdoctoral Resident at Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS), with a focus on working with individuals with eating disorders. I am also serving as the Interim Eating Disorder Coordinator at SHCS.  Prior to coming to UC Davis, I provided counseling services within university counseling, community mental health, and private practice settings. I completed my APA-accredited internship in Health Service Psychology (eating disorders emphasis area) at UC Davis’ SHCS from 2022-2023. I am particularly interested in university counseling, and working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, and college students presenting with eating disorders and body image concerns. My dissertation focused on the access to eating disorder treatment for transgender and gender diverse individuals, and I am passionate about increasing access to effective eating disorder care. In my spare time, I enjoy all things music-related (listening to music, attending live shows, playing guitar) and am currently learning to play the piano. I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and orange tabby cat, Sigmund (“Siggy”). I’m looking forward to continuing my work with university students during my postdoctoral residency at UC Davis. 

How I Work With Students

I believe that the therapeutic alliance is the most important aspect of therapy, and I strive to develop safe, genuine, and collaborative relationships with my clients. I also believe that clients possess the knowledge and skills necessary for change, and I support my clients with working toward self-awareness, behavior change, and personal growth. My way of being as a therapist is rooted in humanistic therapy, and I incorporate mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavior-informed therapies into my work with clients. I utilize a blend of acceptance- and change-based strategies to validate clients’ concerns and gently challenge clients to meet their therapy goals. I am looking forward to assisting clients in achieving meaningful change and personal growth throughout our therapeutic work together. 

Which Communities Represent Me

LGBTQIA+