Meet Kelly Hutton, AMFT

Meet Kelly

I, Abi Weissman, Psy.D. asked Kelly Hutton, AMFT #126825,  some questions about herself and how she came to be an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under my supervision. Here is what Kelly had to say.

Meet Kelly Hutton. Pronouns: she/her/hers

Abi: Why did you decide to get your graduate degree in this field, Kelly?

Kelly: I wanted to be in a field that squashes stigma of behavioral health, promotes life-long growth and learning, and shifts my social justice activism to providing anti-racist shoulder-to-shoulder healing spaces for (my) queer and trans communities.

I considered becoming a therapist when I was in high school in the theatre arts and after many changes in my family. But I believe I wasn't ready then.  I think I first needed twenty years of other experiences such as recovering from the death of loved ones, learning about my own queerness, navigating my own mental health, and being in other people-centered careers like anthropology, queer Latin American history and Cultural Studies, teaching in bilingual education, and intersectional social justice work. These experiences, I think, help me to best connect with lots of different kinds of unique people like you.

Abi: What do you love most about doing this work?

Kelly: I love the privilege of bearing witness to clients' journeys and learning along the way. I also love laughing with clients. Laughter can be very healing, especially after we get to know each other. 

Abi: What are you most excited about in starting this position?

Kelly: It's really exciting to work for Dr. Abi Weissman and Waves. I've wanted this opportunity for four years! (Abi moment: We had no idea and are so excited to be working with you!!!) I'm excited to work more with LGBTQIPA+ families, couples/partners, caregivers, and individuals with grief and loss, trauma recovery, life transitions, and communication.

I know what it's like to have to navigate mental health services when you're queer.

I also know what it’s like to be afraid of coming out in school including not having support from teachers or professors. 

So, I want to break down those barriers to care here in my hometowns with Waves. And the somatic work we'll learn. That's super cool, too. 

Abi: What’s your history with San Diego area?

Kelly: My mom’s family has a long history in California going back to when it was a part of Mexico. I grew up in divorced and blended families in Chula Vista, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Baja California Norte near Ensenada.

In high school, I used to cross the border from Mexico to the US every day to go to school. I am very proud to be from this part of the world.

Abi: What is an AMFT anyways? Can you explain why you have a supervisor? 

An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) is a registered therapist in California with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy who can help you in therapy while the therapist completes all 3000 hours and passes the exams required to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). As of March 2022, I’ve been a therapist for almost two years and completed 75% of my hours. I can’t wait to be licensed!

The Board of Behavioral Sciences requires AMFTs to have licensed clinical supervisors as mentors until AMFTs meet all the requirements of licensure (see California State Resources). The supervisor-AMFT relationship also helps to ensure ethical treatment of the client in therapy.  I enjoy having a supervisor because I get to learn from others a lot more than I would from only working on my own. I also like to think of it like quality assurance or like you have two therapists for one on your team. In short, having a supervisor helps me be the best therapist I can be for you, which is my ultimate goal. 

Abi: What training on your CV (resume) are you most proud of and why?

Kelly: I am proud overall that my CV reflects the journey that I've been on to become a therapist. It's a multicultural and interdisciplinary path that strongly informs me as a clinician. That said, the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT, see What is EFT? ) and EMDR trainings (basic training, EMDR for veterans with trauma and transitioning to civilian life, and EMDR for chronic illness and chronic pain) reflect both my passions for helping loved ones meaningfully reconnect and helping individuals recover from trauma in a strength-based and person-centered way.

Abi: What is your favorite intervention with clients?

Kelly: I have lots of favorite interventions. I love the beginning of treatment when we “join”, or build rapport and get to know each other.  Lately, I've also been very humbled with how EMDR calm (safe) state becomes empowering for people when they want to ground and recenter themselves. I also love seeing how drumming, dancing/movement, and visual arts can integrate with EMDR protocol seamlessly for client's recovery from trauma.

Abi: What populations or issues have you worked with in the past that you want to highlight here?

Kelly: Grief, loss, caregiving a parent or partner in hospice, veterans transitioning to civilian life, having lots of self-discovery and rebirth while recovering from suicide attempt, depression, anxiety, existential "who am I?" and "what now?" life questions, trauma recovery, recovery from sexual assault and partner abuse, and management of bipolar I symptoms. I really like working with people facing transition and changes in their life.

Abi: I know that you also have lots of experience in working with trans people, teens, and romantic partnerships. It’s super awesome that you are fluent in Spanish too! I’m excited to support you and your work with clients. I know there are a lot of people that can benefit from working with you, Kelly!

Abi: Is there anything else that you want to make sure our readers know about you? 

Kelly: I enjoy watching historical dramas, national parks, solo travel, tacos al pastor, baking, growing my own food, spending time with my parents, and dancing bachata. I also have a rescue senior cat named Lua.

I want you to know that I have availabilities on my calendar for new clients. I can usually fit in new clients within a week. 

Abi: We are so excited to have you working at Waves, Kelly!! We are delighted to welcome you to the practice.

To get started on your goals today, please click here for a free 15 minute consult with a therapist at Waves.