Kelly Loy's Beginnings

Thank you for thinking about coming to me for support in the concerns that bring you to counseling, particularly if you feel you are still stuck with things you have been aware of for a long time and want to change.  Sometimes just thinking about it and making that first call can be amazingly helpful for you. I don’t know yet what is bringing you to reach out, but I am open and ready for you with whatever it may be to help you with connecting to yourself and others and the challenges you face.

I realize that on the outside you may be holding it together, presenting yourself as “I’m fine,” while inside you may feel full of anxiety, despair, self-criticism, grief, or shame.  You do not need go it alone, and I am here to listen, to support, and to guide you with encouragement and a process for healing with the inner strength and compassion that is inside you.

My Approach

I am excited to be your first Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist in the state of Idaho holding the highest level of IFS training!

The field of psychotherapy for healing from trauma has shown that modalities that involve our inner mental and physical world – mind and body – are most effective for lasting healing. IFS is one of these proven modalities, non-pathological and spiritually grounded, with a trust that you are the expert in your own story and your body holds potential for healing. This goes beyond just “talk therapy” by inviting connection with where the “talk” comes from in you!

I expect to come alongside you in therapy as your guide in the IFS process, trusting the wisdom or intuitive knowing that you will find as you get to know yourself in a new way through this experiential and non-judgmental therapy which may feel similar to meditation or contemplative prayer. In working with clients and with my Self, I have found that the IFS process allows for deeper understanding and connection with what is inside us, for insight and deep healing that shows in our life.

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My Path

I have always felt drawn to help people. I started out going to college to be a nurse, but when I graduated there were not many nursing jobs around the country! So, I began seminary and found nursing jobs I could do as I went to school.

Next, I became a pastor for a great congregation in northern Minnesota and met my husband. Then a large hospital in Boise needed a chaplain, so I found my way to Idaho. After many years I realized that a degree in mental health would allow me to help even more, so I went to school again while my daughter was very young.

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to bring compassionate and spiritually grounded trauma therapy to this state, drawing on my experiences to this point, with openness to all!

Education, Licenses, and Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC-8075 ID
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT-9967 ID
  • Nationally Certified Counselor, NCC-1096285
  • Registered Nurse, RN-534588 CA
  • Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, IFS Institute
  • Certified Adlerian Therapist, Idaho Society of Individual Psychology
  • Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider, Evergreen Certifications
  • Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Positive Discipline Association
  • Board Certified Chaplain, Association of Professional Chaplains
  • Ordained Minister, North American Lutheran Church, NALC
  • MS, Counseling: Marriage and Family, Emphasis Area: Grief, Trauma, Crisis; Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, ID
  • MDiv: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA
  • BA, Nursing: Luther College, Decorah, IA

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
  • Idaho Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (IDAMFT)
  • American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Idaho Counseling Association (ICA)
  • Idaho Society of Individual Psychology (ISIP)
  • Positive Discipline Association (PDA)

Other Training & Certifications

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS); Levels 1, 2, & 3, PA for Level 1
  • Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO); Basic and Advanced, IFIO Staff
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT); Certificate and Externship
  • Gottman Couples Therapy; Level 1 and 2
  • Oaklander Play Therapy; Expressive Arts, Animals, and Sand Tray
  • ISIP Adlerian Trainings; Basic and Advanced, IFIO Staff
  • Certificate in Integrative Medicine and Spirituality: Spiritual Care
  • Certificate in Amherst Writers and Artists Training: Writing as a Healing Ministry