Kellie Lockwood-Rios, LMFT, LAADC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
You have a lot of good things going on in your life…. a huge amount on your plate that sometimes feels just way too overwhelming. Maybe you struggle keeping it all together. You don’t want to be a burden on your friends and family, so you just keep it all inside.
I can help you address issues relating to recovery, trauma, perfectionism, anxiety and family dysfunction.
In long term recovery myself, I know firsthand what it’s like to deal with a substance use disorder and the challenges of transforming one’s life. In addition to my life experiences, I use my education, training and many years working in the field of addictions treatment to help men and women transform their lives through empathetic connection, direct dialogue, and professional therapeutic skills.
I work from a strengths-based approach.
What that means is that I firmly believe that you have within you innate knowledge of what your barriers to your therapeutic goals are, AND how to overcome them. My humanistic and client-centered approach will allow us to connect, and provide a safe space for you to explore areas of change that can help you reach your goals.
My job as your therapist is to help you identify your unique strengths and characteristics, and ways they can be built upon to create your new path.
I will be active in helping you shape your ideal plan for maintaining and continuing to grow your achievements – even after our partnership comes to a close.
Our goal in working together is setting the stage for your long-term personal growth, recovery and well-being.
A little bit about me….
I live a quiet, simple life with my husband Roger, our daughter Zoe – and a ridiculous amount of animals. We have Lily the Golden Retriever, and, lets just say…. a few cats (don’t judge!)
I enjoy a good book, the island of Kauai, Big Sur and hanging with my big brother Todd (who always has been, and always will be…the coolest guy I know.) A night in on the couch with the hubby, a good movie, and some takeout is my jam.
On a more personal note, my desire to be of service to others and my reason for being a therapist is because of the most influential woman in my life—my late Grammie, Iris O. Wise – whose love, kindness and wisdom made me who I am today. I wouldn’t be who or where I am without her.
Education and Experience
I received my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the California State University, Dominguez Hills. I am also a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADAC) as well as a trained clinical interventionist. I have worked in the field of addiction treatment since 2009 in various capacities, and am truly passionate about helping individuals find a new path.
My Theoretic Approach to Working with You (AKA the boring clinical stuff)
My approach draws from several theoretical approaches. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered, and Reality Therapy. I use a “trauma informed approach” – which means that I am always aware how adverse experiences may play a part in what is happening in your life today. I am trained in EMDR, brainspotting and mindfulness practices. I love working with my clients to gain new perspectives and more flexible ways of thinking about themselves and their world.
My integrative approach is always individualized for you, as are the goals and pace of therapy. Providing a safe space for our therapeutic relationship is the foundation of my approach.
