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Kelly Jacobs, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC

About Kelly.

I came to this work through my own experience, having leaned on art long before I ever called myself a therapist. It's shaped everything about how I show up with clients. I've seen firsthand what it means to find steadier ground through the simple act of making something. 

My approach is relational, somatic, and experiential. That means making space for all of you, including the parts that are harder to put into language. Together, we'll use art to help integrate body and mind as you move through emotional challenges, trauma, or a season of personal growth. 

In our sessions, you're invited into a space that's safe, non-judgmental, and entirely yours. You might paint, draw, collage, or sculpt, whatever supports you in expressing what's underneath the surface. Part of this work is learning to understand your body's signals and responses, and part of it is creating a new story to tell about who you are and what you've lived through. Through that process, people often find new insight, new coping skills, and a sense of healing and empowerment. 

I also take a holistic view of healing. You're a whole person, and your mental and emotional health is shaped by more than just symptoms. Your lifestyle, relationships, environment, and sense of meaning all play a part in your healing.

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Therapy with Kelly is:

holistic

somatic

embodied

creative

expressive

nurturing

grounding 

Ready to get started?​

background & experience

I'm a Board Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist in Maryland, and I also hold a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor license. I completed my art therapy training at George Washington University, and I'm trained in Somatic Experiencing (Intermediate) and Brainspotting (Phase 1). I'm a past board member of the Potomac Art Therapy Association and a current member of the American Art Therapy Association.

I stay a lifelong student of this work — my ongoing training spans somatic work, trauma treatment, polyvagal theory, Brainspotting, holistic care, and nature/eco therapy.

I've supported adolescents and adults through:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Self-esteem and identity

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Dissociation

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Substance use

  • Family and relationship challenges

  • Perinatal mental health

  • Grief and loss

Beyond the therapy room, I'm passionate about advocacy and education. I offer workshops and trainings that support the growing role of the arts in health care, while honoring the specific expertise art therapists bring to that work. I also serve as a professorial lecturer, helping shape the next generation of art therapists.

education,
training & credentials

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
LCPC, #LC13467
Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist

LCPAT, #ATC362

Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist
ATR-BC, #22-437
Art Therapy Credentials Board

Brainspotting, Phase 1

The Touchstone Institute

Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care

Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy

Postpartum Support International

Somatic Experiencing, Level 1 & 2

Somatic Experiencing International

Ecotherapy Certificate, Level 1

The Earth Body Institute

MA Art Therapy

George Washington University

©2026 by Art Nest Therapy LLC. 

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