My Background
Kay Blankenship, MPC, LCPC, NBC, CCMHC
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with nearly three decades of clinical experience. Over the last 30 years, I have worked in a variety of settings, helping individuals, families, and couples navigate their most vulnerable moments.
My clinical knowledge is balanced by a strong academic and community presence. In addition to working in private practice, I have also worked and taught at the college level. I believe in the power of community involvement. Over twenty years ago while living in Wisconsin, I helped develop a mental health screening program that still exists today and yearly screens over 4,000 youth for mental health concerns.
I am a certified QPR suicide prevention trainer and offers trainings to businesses, medical and community groups. I also serve as a consultant for communities and organizations and provides workshops on wellness, work burnout, stress management and adolescent mental health.
Approach to therapy
My approach combines clinical experience with a genuine down-to-earth warmth. I view the client as my consumer, and my role is to help facilitate the changes a person wants to achieve in their life. I enjoy working with families and clients of all ages and am LGBTQ friendly. I view my role as a therapist as one of support and empowerment. I help clients experience growth; make the changes they seek to improve their relationships and mental health. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches and strategies: cognitive behavioral, motivational, solution focused brief therapy, mindfulness, along with art and pet therapy.
Meet the Team - Macy & Kay
I grew up in Montana and go back often to spend time with family and enjoy the mountains where I like to hike, ride motorcycles on the trails, and read on the porch swing. No matter where I am, I love being outside in nature and believe in the power of “dirt therapy” (AKA, gardening) to keep me grounded.
My work partner was also born in Montana and is a twelve year old Pyre-doodle named Macy, who is a certified is a certified therapy dog. She’s a cross between a Standard Poodle & a Great Pyrenees which are known for being gentle giants and guardian dogs. This makes her a great therapy dog who is very gentle, quiet and easy going in the the office. However, at home, this makes her an independent thinker and country dog, who is self-appointed to be the guardian of the yard and our pet ducks. Translation: she takes herself on walks, doesn’t want to go to bed at night - wants to be outside to patrol, and LOVES to bark to alert us to any and all things happening outside!
And Lastly, Meet Walter
Walter is a loveable guy, that Macy and I are in the process of training to become certified for pet therapy. Walter is a large, goofy Sheepadoodle, (Old English Sheepdog and Standard Poodle) and at age four still has no situational awareness related to other’s personal space and how big and clumsy he can be. Walter’s a work in progress!.
Why Use Therapy Dogs?
Research shows that the presence of a therapy dog can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and increase feelings of safety. In our sessions, Macy helps by:
Lowers anxiety during difficult or emotional conversations.
Provides comfort through gentle touch, grounding, or just sitting nearby.
Breaks the ice for clients who feel nervous about starting therapy.
Offers unconditional acceptance without any judgment.
Just say NO thanks if dogs aren’t your thing or you are allergic, Macy is more than happy to take the day off and stay at home and snooze.
