About Me
Professional Background
Hi! I'm Chelsea Lightbourn. I am a professional counselor, licensed in the state of Pennsylvania, with 8 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges and find paths to peace, healing, and growth. Nestled in South Philadelphia, my practice is built on creating a safe, judgment-free environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences while developing their authentic selves.
Throughout my career, I have specialized in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. My focus is not to diagnose but instead use our shared human experience to build trust and a relationship that promotes healing. My therapeutic approach combines techniques that lean on evidence based practices mixed with a bit of humor and compassionate support tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
My Approach
I believe in treating the whole person—acknowledging the complex interplay between mental health, physical wellbeing, social connections, and personal values. My ADHD focused treatment is an in depth exploration of your experience and understanding your authentic ADHD self. No matter your challenges, through collaborative therapy, we'll work together to develop practical strategies for managing difficulties while building on your inherent strengths and resilience.
Meet Scoopy: My Psychiatric Service Dog in Training
An important member of my practice is Scoopy, my psychiatric service dog who is currently completing his professional services dog training by yours truly. Scoopy is being trained to provide specialized support specifically for me specifically but his skills also transfer to therapy sessions for clients who are able to attend in person and might benefit from his calming presence.
As Scoopy continues his training journey, he is learning to:
Provide gentle and deep pressure therapy during moments of heightened anxiety
Detect changes in emotional states and respond appropriately
Create a comforting atmosphere that helps facilitate therapeutic conversations
Assist clients in grounding techniques during difficult discussions
Please note that while Scoopy is in training and is not yet fully certified, his presence in in person sessions is optional and always discussed in advance with clients to ensure comfort and address any concerns or allergies. For those with mild sensitivities he does have hypoallergenic hair.
Education & Credentials
Master's in Clinical & Counseling Psychology w/Trauma minor
Licensed Professional Counselor (LMHC)
Trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy & Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In training for Certification as an ADHD Specialist
I welcome you to reach out for a consultation to discuss how we might work together on your mental health journey.
