My Approach

Image of therapy office setting with abstract painting and ficus plant.

Hello! Welcome to Kelly Hilst Counseling, where I offer personalized therapy infused with authenticity, curiosity, and hope. I believe that relationships heal, and during the time we spend together, you will feel heard, supported, and encouraged to explore your strengths and challenges.

When working with children and teens, I use a fun, engaging approach tailored to suit each developmental stage. Using a blend of play therapy techniques, mindfulness, movement activities, and sensory integration, I support young people in navigating their emotions, building resilience, and developing the crucial coping skills that allow their best self to shine!

As a Licensed School Counselor (PreK-12), I’ve spent many years in the school environment and I’m familiar with the supports and accommodations that can help children thrive. Once we uncover your child’s strengths and the strategies that work, I can help you work collaboratively with teachers and schools to put these tools in place.

My work is informed by relational neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and attachment research, and I have received advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness.

I create a safe and accepting space where I value and respect people of all backgrounds and identities. With a touch of humor and creativity, I aim to make the therapeutic journey engaging and meaningful.

I look forward to walking alongside you on your path of healing and growth!

I support people of all ages with…

✦ Anxiety
✦ Depression
✦ ADHD/Executive Functioning
✦ Behavior Challenges
✦ Self-esteem Building
✦ Relationship Issues
✦ Life Transitions
✦ Adjustment Difficulties

✦ Impact of Adoption
✦ Trauma Recovery
✦ Family Changes
✦ Identity Exploration
✦ LGBTQ+ Affirmation
✦ Neurodiversity
✦ Sensory Needs
✦ Grief and Loss

Image of lunaria plant in a turquoise pot.

Rates

Child, Individual, Parent, Family session: $160/50min

Intake Session:
$180/75min

Consultation Call:
No charge/15-20 min

Location & Availability

I offer services online or in person near Capitol Hill in Denver.

789 Sherman St. #650
Denver, CO 80203
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I’m accepting new clients and currently have a limited number of after-school appointments available for children for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance. I can provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement based on your benefits. In order to comply with Federal law, I am not able to provide private-pay services to clients covered by Medicaid.

About me

I spend a lot of time with kids, and they ask the BEST questions. A few recent ones: “What is your favorite color?” (Aqua); “What is your favorite emotion?” (Delight); “What’s your dog’s name?” (Howie);  “Do you make mistakes?” (Yes); “Do you like worms?” (Sure?);  “What’s your favorite thing?” (Hot Springs); “Do you have kids?” (Two).

In my free time, I love visiting museums with my family, discovering new coffee shops, swimming, practicing qigong and other mindful movement, and making seasonal Spotify playlists. I’m a constant reader who carries dog-eared books everywhere, and I often discover poignant messages in children’s books that I delight in sharing with clients of all ages. 

I believe in the power of healing through creative expression, and my passion for art, music, and literature is infused into my therapy practice.

Therapist riding a horse in a scenic area

Credentials

Kelly Hilst, MA, LPC

✦ Master’s in Counseling (MA), University of Colorado Denver
✦ Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), DORA
✦ National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Board for Certified Counselors
✦ Licensed PreK-12 School Counselor, Colorado Department of Education

Advanced Training:
✦ Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), DBT in Schools
✦ Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Mindsight Institute with Dr. Dan Siegel
✦ Mindfulness Training for Clinicians, National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine