Kelly Sutliff is a passionate advocate, psychotherapist, coach, and expert dog trainer who has transformed her personal journey of survival into a mission to empower others. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor, Kelly specializes in helping individuals move from surviving to thriving. She is the co-founder of Thrive Therapy Services, where she provides trauma-informed therapy and professional coaching to clients navigating life’s challenges. At Thrive Therapy Services, Kelly offers a safe, compassionate, and empowering space for clients to heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. She takes an integrative approach, tailoring every session to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. Kelly specializes in trauma recovery, including supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and emotional abuse. She is particularly skilled in working with women navigating issues like narcissistic abuse, divorce, and other complex life transitions. Kelly uses evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, mindfulness strategies, and trauma-focused interventions to help clients address challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and family conflict. Her approach is interactive, collaborative, and results-oriented, combining emotional support with practical tools that empower clients to rebuild their confidence, set healthy boundaries, and develop resilience. For those seeking to grow professionally or personally, Kelly also offers consultations and professional coaching services. Whether clients are looking to improve work-life balance, strengthen leadership skills, or achieve personal goals, Kelly’s style combines empathy with actionable strategies to help clients unlock their full potential. Her ability to connect deeply with clients and provide both emotional and practical support makes her a trusted partner in their journey to greater fulfillment. Kelly also believes that healing doesn’t have to be heavy or solemn every step of the way. Infusing humor into her sessions, she helps clients navigate even the most challenging situations with a sense of lightness and hope. This balance of deep empathy and levity allows clients to feel seen and supported while learning to embrace joy and laughter again. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling/Psychology, Kelly is licensed in New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (#37PC00402700) and Substance Awareness Counselor. She is also a National Certified Counselor (#271032) and an Accredited Clinical Supervisor (#1364). Beyond her private practice, Kelly has served as an adjunct professor at Kean University and the College of Saint Elizabeth, where she shared her expertise with future mental health professionals. She also supervises licensed associate counselors as they pursue licensure, further reflecting her commitment to the field of mental health. Kelly’s professional journey is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences. After surviving domestic violence in 2019, Kelly found safety and healing in her first protection dog, Stella. This life-changing bond inspired Kelly to channel her trauma into advocacy and empowerment for other survivors. She founded Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, a nonprofit organization that provides trained protection dogs to domestic violence survivors. The nonprofit has become a beacon of hope for survivors seeking safety, strength, and healing. Kelly’s work with Kelly’s K9s is rooted in her love of dogs and her expertise in training them. A specialist in personal protection and Schutzhund, Kelly competed in her first Schutzhund trial in June 2024, where her dog, Luca, earned the prestigious “BH” title. Her commitment to the sport and her mission to provide protection dogs to survivors of domestic violence is a testament to her resilience and passion. When she’s not working with clients or training dogs, Kelly dedicates her time to advocacy and education. She has been a speaker at numerous events, sharing her story of survival and inspiring others to reclaim their strength and safety. Her commitment to advocacy extends beyond her therapeutic and nonprofit work. She has spoken before the legislature at the state capital, sharing her personal story and advocating for policies that support domestic violence survivors. Her efforts include pushing for the establishment of a domestic violence registry in New Jersey, amplifying the voices of those who have experienced abuse, and driving meaningful legislative change. Through Thrive Therapy Services and Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, Kelly empowers individuals to not only survive but thrive, turning pain into purpose and hope into action. Whether you’re seeking therapy, a consultation, or coaching, Kelly’s unique combination of professional expertise, personal experience, heartfelt advocacy, and a touch of humor makes her a trusted and compassionate partner on your journey to healing and empowerment.