Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Cardin
Hi Kelsey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a first generation college student, I began my academic journey at Mississippi State University in the fall of 2013, enrolled as an engineering student. While classes in engineering, coding, and other STEM fields sparked some interest, it was a psychology elective that truly captivated me. What was meant to be a single course to fulfill a requirement turned into a turning point. I became enamored with the intricacies of the human brain and the foundational insights into mental health. In that moment, I knew I was destined for a career rooted in psychology and helping others.
Graduating a semester early, I returned to my hometown of Memphis and began working with children in Shelby County Schools. This role opened my eyes to the significant need for mental health professionals who could address both individual challenges and broader systemic issues. For five years, I honed my skills as a behavior specialist while simultaneously pursuing my master’s degree in social work.
Working in schools, particularly during the tumultuous time of the COVID-19 pandemic, was both eye-opening and challenging. I witnessed firsthand how mental health professionals in educational settings often apply temporary fixes to deeper systemic problems. This realization fueled my desire to make a broader and more sustained impact.
In May of 2022, I earned my master’s degree in social work, eager to take the next step in my journey. I decided to transition into group practice, where I could work closely with clients over time, guiding them through their challenges and witnessing their growth.
Becoming a mental health therapist has been more than a career choice—it’s been a calling. My experiences in education, social work, and navigating systemic challenges have shaped my approach to therapy, allowing me to provide the kind of support and understanding I once dreamed of offering. Now, every session reminds me why I took that first psychology class years ago: to make a meaningful difference, one person at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming a therapist has been anything but a smooth road. During my time in graduate school, I balanced a full-time job, a demanding internship, and classes—all in the midst of a global pandemic. Some days required 14 hours of work in various capacities, leaving little room for rest or reflection. It was an intense period of growth and perseverance.
After graduating and stepping into the workforce, I faced another set of challenges: finding my rhythm and carving out a space where I could become the therapist I aspired to be. Graduate school offered valuable insights into client work, but the true learning began when I sat with clients and truly listened. They taught me how to genuinely care for their needs, shaping my approach in ways no textbook could.
And then there was the business side of things—marketing, logistics, and the practicalities of setting myself up for success. These were lessons learned through trial, error, and, at times, sheer determination. The struggle to balance all these elements has been real, but every challenge has contributed to my growth and deepened my passion for this work.
The road to becoming a therapist may not have been easy, but it’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything. It has shaped me into the compassionate, dedicated professional I am today, and I am grateful for every lesson along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am proud to be part of Planted Therapy Group, a practice with roots in Memphis and an additional office in Nolensville, where I work weekly. I also spend time in the Memphis office each month, connecting with the community there.
What sets Planted Therapy Group apart? It’s hard to put into words because we are such a diverse team with unique specialties. However, one thing unites us all: a shared passion for helping clients find stability, grow through their challenges, and thrive in their lives.
As for my role, I specialize in working with trauma—both general and relational—as well as divorce and interracial couples. Watching my clients transform as they navigate difficult times is the most rewarding part of my work. At Planted Therapy Group, we’re committed to planting seeds of resilience and witnessing the incredible growth that follows.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Reflecting on the qualities that have supported me on my path to becoming a therapist, one stands out above all: empathy. As an Enneagram Two, my heart has always been full of care for others, which naturally drew me to a profession centered on helping people navigate life’s challenges.
Resilience has also played a crucial role in my journey. As a first-generation college and graduate student, I’ve not only forged my own path but also paved the way for my siblings, showing them that they, too, can achieve their goals. Resilience has been my anchor during tough times, reminding me to keep pushing forward even when the road felt daunting.
Lastly, advocacy is a skill I hold close to my heart. Whether it’s advocating for clients, addressing systemic barriers, or championing the importance of mental health, this quality has been integral to my work. Each of these traits has shaped who I am as a therapist and continues to guide me as I help others grow, heal, and thrive.
Pricing:
- Individual Sessions $125 intake/$100 session
- Couple Sessions $150 intake/$125 sessions
- Group Therapy $40 a session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://plantedtherapygroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kelseycardin_lmsw_/profilecard/?igsh=dDUzdHdiZ2Y0eDZy
