Let’s Break the Ice
If you’re reading this post, then you found Peak Counseling! Hooray! My name is Kiley Ellefson, the owner and provider of Peak Counseling. My hope is that this blog will provide inspiration, tools, and food for thought for those who read it. But before we dive into that, let’s start with introductions.
I was born and raised here in Las Vegas, Nevada. Many people have a lot of thoughts about living in Las Vegas, so I’ll quickly answer some of the most common questions. No, I did not grow up living in a casino nor did I spend every weekend wandering around the Strip. Yes, it is really that hot in the summer time. And lastly, no, I know almost nothing about gambling. Now that we have that out of the way, let me tell you more about myself. I grew up playing sports, a love for physical activity that has shaped much of what I do now. Now, rather than playing competitive sports, you’ll likely find me exploring nature. I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, camping, snowboarding (although I am truly terrible at it), biking, and kayaking. When I’m not adventuring outside, I read books of all kinds, make a mess doing crafts with my family, and learn about new places to travel. I also love photography, watching baking shows, listening to music, and caring for plants.
My love for psychology and interest in therapy began at a young age, when I really wanted to understand why people committed crimes. Although that curiosity is still alive, my career has followed a different trail, one that splits between offering systems-based therapy services to individuals, couples, and families as well as (soon) offering performance-based sessions for athletes, artists, businesses, and first-responders. I hope to use both sets of skills to help anyone who comes to Peak Counseling achieve their goals, discover more about themselves, and leave knowing that they are on the right path for them. I graduated with dual Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Kinesiology in 2017 and finished my MFT Master’s degree in 2020 all from UNLV. I now work as an MFT State Intern under supervision until I am fully licensed. As a therapist, I believe it is my role to provide a safe space to deeply explore oneself. I utilize a wide variety of techniques in therapy, including Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), psychosomatic therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and the Gottman Method. For coaching and performance-based sessions, I will often utilize a lot of mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), imagery, and specified goal-setting. I understand that no one type of therapy or coaching works for everyone nor does it meet their needs, so I work hard to ensure that each person receives a personalized plan to fit what they are searching for.
Finally, I’d like to end by discussing my hope for this blog. I decided to start writing a blog because of two reasons. One, I love to write (I guess it goes along with my passion for reading). Two, I want to have a space to share some of my knowledge, ideas, and resources with anyone, regardless of whether they are a client of mine. (Note: This blog does not take the place of therapy nor is it intended to. If you need help, please seek a therapist or visit the nearest ER if it is an emergency. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 at 1.800.273.8255. An easy search engine to find a therapist that suits your needs is PsychologyToday.)
Posts may come weekly, monthly, or in-between but make sure to check back in to read about different resources, new research, book reviews, or my own thoughts and ideas on topics ranging from general mental health and trauma to coaching and reaching your goals.
Got questions, comments, or something you want me to write about? Leave a comment below!
