Kelly Betsworth, LISW

Licensed Independent Social Worker

Kelly strives to provide hopeful, helpful interventions that are personal, creative and trauma informed by focusing first on connecting with everyone she meets on an individual basis.  With experience in outpatient, community, home, school, healthcare, and residential settings, Kelly is skilled at working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and concerns, specializing in working with children and families.  Kelly incorporates a strong adaptive information processing and attachment lens in her work. Kelly incorporates play, mindfulness, somatic experiences, narrative, and art interventions into her work.  Kelly is an active and open communicator; she will work with you to develop a treatment plan that you are comfortable with and that can help you reach your goals.

Kelly received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology with a Minor in Social Work from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Kelly went on to study Social Work at the University of Iowa Des Moines Campus and received her MSW in 2007.  Kelly is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Iowa.  

Kelly’s primary specialties are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Theraplay informed practice.  Kelly is a Certified EMDR Child Specialist and was trained in Theraplay Level One.  EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation to activate problem-solving and resolve distress brought about by negative thoughts and beliefs.  Theraplay is a dyadic family therapy model designed to support healthy child and caregiver attachment, building resilience and healing through experience.   Kelly is also Certified in AutPlay Therapy and utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy in her work with individuals and families.    

In her free time Kelly enjoys the roles of wife, mother, daughter, friend, and learner.  She loves animals, especially her golden retriever Leia, music, thrift shopping, scary movies, caring for house plants, quiet time at home, and girls’ nights in or out.  As a mom to two boys, Kelly enjoys Star Wars, Marvel, Legos, concerts, family vacations and going to all their various extracurricular events. 

* Call to be added to Kelly’s waitlist *