Royal Kelly, LMSW
(She/Her/Hers)
Currently under the clinical supervision of Katie Malinski, LCSW-S
3-8 Years | 9-12 Years | 13-18 Years | 18+ | Family
Royal serves as a therapeutic resource for families, helping children and caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you are coming to therapy for a child who needs help being with big emotions, a teen feeling anxious or depressed, or you – a caregiver – looking for guidance on current challenges with your child, Royal offers a compassionate and welcoming space for exploration and growth.
Understanding that play is the natural language of children, Royal uses a non-directive and invitational approach that enables her clients to discover their unique paths toward healing and self-discovery. Through therapeutic play, children develop self-confidence and discover their innate ability to overcome life's obstacles.
Royal's therapeutic philosophy centers on the belief that each client deserves individualized attention and support. She implements an integrative, trauma-informed approach drawing from Child-Centered Play Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness, and expressive art therapies. Recognizing the vital role of family in children's mental health, Royal collaborates closely with caregivers to nurture healthy connections that support children's emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Royal received a Masters in Social Work with a concentration in child and family therapy from the University of Houston (CSWE Accredited Program) and a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. She is currently pursuing certification as a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP), completing the foundational level of the three-year professional program. Royal maintains active memberships in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Association of Play Therapy (APT), and the Texas Association of Play Therapy (TAPT). Additionally, she holds a certification in Maternal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International and specializes in supporting caregivers through various new parenting challenges.
A native Texan, Royal spends her free time exploring parks and trails with her husband and two daughters, cooking for loved ones, and enjoying walks with her dog Daisy.
ROYAL IS PARTICULARLY WELL-SUITED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES:
who are interested in a relational and family systems approach – i.e a therapeutic lens that considers the people and places where we spend the most time including family, home, school, and peers and how those people and environments impact our thoughts and behaviors.
with children seeking help with emotional regulation skills, building greater self-acceptance and self-worth, anxiety reduction, mother-daughter relationships and boundary setting.
who are interested in empowering their child to express and discover more about themselves and their strengths in a safe, positive and supportive environment.
ROYAL WORKS AT OUR BERKMAN OFFICE LOCATION AND OFFERS VIRTUAL AND WALK & TALK SESSIONS. ALL SESSIONS ARE 45 MINUTES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. HER RATES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Individual Session $150
Initial Consult, Parent Consult, Parent Coaching $175
Family Session $195
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Anger Management
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Career Counseling
Coping Skills
Depression
Divorce
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Grief
Oppositional Defiance
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
ROYAL’S FAVORITES:
Favorite board game: Heads Up! Not a board game but a favorite game at family gatherings
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite animal: Penguin
Favorite children’s book: Harry Potter series
Favorite color: Turquoise
Favorite place in Austin: Barton Springs
Favorite holiday: Halloween
I feel happiest when: I am at the beach
If I had a superpower it would be: Time Travel
Place I feel most safe/calm/comfortable: At home with family
READ MORE ABOUT ROYAL’s PASSION:
