Marhya Kelsch, LCSW

With 15 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, I enjoy the opportunity to create a safer space for people to explore personal growth, discover ways to thrive with unique challenges and give themselves permission to live at their own pace.

Feminine person sitting in office chair dressed in black business casual, wearing glasses, watch, necklace and bracelets, hands clasped over crossed knee, gentle smile and head tilt, visible tattoos on left forearm and right shoulder

I am passionate about therapy and the positive impact it has on people's emotional, spiritual, relational, and physical health, helping you to rediscover your inner wisdom.  I focus my approach on the values and belief system of the client I am working with to assist them in moving towards their life's ambition. In my work, I have helped a diverse population of clients, though I may not see life through the same lens, I find that I can connect with the core feelings of any person I encounter. I work well with those who might be perceived as eccentric or have a tough exterior.

I am not directive in nature, but aim to bring forth options, tools and opportunities to assist in your healing. I choose to maintain a small practice so that I can offer regularly paced sessions and be present with each client. I take the time to continually learn and apply tools and best practices to each case.

I have skills and training in harm reduction, LGBTQ competent care, SFSI Sex Educator Training, HRC Trans Gender Care training. Trauma informed care, CBT for psychosis, First break psychosis, Mindfulness, EMDR, Process Art, WRAP Planning, Heart Math Bio Feedback, Phase of life transitions, Existential crisis in retirement/ Aging, Grief and loss. I come from a person centered, strengths based approach.

I enjoy working with patients who are non binary, trans, generally exploring gender and gender identity. I also work with those who identify as kinky, who are in non monogamous relationships, open relationships or polyamorous. I come from a consent based, safer sex, sex positive approach.

I integrate teachings from Shenzen Young and Pema Chodrin in my work among other mindfulness practitioners, I also bring forth tools from existential therapy, process arts, Langian psychology and provocative therapy.


Credentials & Affliations

  • LCSW #60097 (CA), 1994 (CO)

  • MSW, University of Denver

  • Certificate in Social Emotional Arts

  • Certificate in Principles of Process Arts

  • WPATH

  • CAMFT

  • San Leandro Art Association

  • Nebraskans For Peace

rediscover your inner wisdom.