Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Kitley.
Kelley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a sixteen-year-old who was being treated for an eating disorder by a therapist on Michigan Ave. I said to myself, “Someday, I too want to help people overcome adversity and be a therapist on Michigan Ave.” After working as a social worker in the non-profit sector for over a decade I took a leap of faith and opened Serendipitous Psychotherapy on Michigan Ave. three years ago.
Today, I’m living my dream and have a full thriving practice, published an autobiography of survival called “MY self,” gave a TEDx talk at Lake Forest College called “I show my scars so others know they can heal,” and I’ve been a featured media expert in over 100 publications including The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Parent Magazine, WGN, NBC, and Dr. Oz. I am truly living my dream!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Sheesh! Nothing about any of it has been smooth which is why I’m so grateful for everything I’ve accomplished and my success today. There are always setbacks and bumps in the road with starting a business from finding a location to doing taxes. I had feelings of anxiety with the unknown and having a steady flow of income especially as a mom of four young children but it’s all been worth it. I’m self-taught with marketing, publishing, and PR. I sought out mentors and hustle hard.
For every 100 no I earned 1 yes but I’m so passionate about my work that my strategy was to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles got in the way. Where there’s a will there’s always a way. When I launched my autobiography in April 2017, the publisher pulled out weeks before and I scrambled to find a way to make this long-term goal of mine become a reality and ended up self-publishing on Amazon. All of the struggles have made me more resilient and I wear many hats. It’s taken me a long time to not fear to ask for help.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Serendipitous Psychotherapy story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a psychotherapist and treat women, men, and couples. I’m a cognitive behavioral therapist who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationships. I also speak nationally to educate the general public about mental health and how to live their best life. Some of the topics have included self-care, stress management, and inspiring others by sharing my experience, strength, and hope after overcoming an enormous amount of adversity.
I’m genuine, authentic, direct, and practice what I preach. I’m a living example of the change process and have been known to provide others with hope. I’m most proud of the amount I’ve learned in a short amount of time not only as a business owner, but as an author, speaker, and media expert.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t attribute “luck” to anything in my personal life or business. I attribute my success to putting an action plan in place, not taking no for an answer and a tribe of supportive people who helped me along the way. I attribute a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to my success.
Pricing:
- $300 for 60-minute therapy sessions
- $750-$1000 for speaking engagements
- $18 to purchase ‘MY self’ on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Address: 737 N Michigan Ave. #1540
Chicago, IL 60611 - Website: www.kelleykitley.com
- Phone: 312-590-5710
- Email: kelleykitley@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kelleykitley
- Facebook: @serendiptouspsychotherapy
- Twitter: @kitleykelley
- Other: Linkedin @kelleykitley
Image Credit:
Kim Ryan, Dr. Oz, Lake Forest College
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
