Kinsey Ellis

M.A., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

I am currently a Doctoral student at UNLV, pursuing my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. At Sandstone, I provide therapy and psychological assessment services to youth and adults with a variety of presenting concerns. Some of my particular areas of interest include:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress
Attachment and Relationship Problems
Identity Development and Exploration
Anxiety
Depression
Menstrual Mood Changes and Symptoms (including PMS and PMDD)
Neurodivergence and Learning Differences (e.g., ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disorders)
Family and Group Dynamics

Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic approach is best described as relational, strengths-based, and integrative. I believe that social context, systems, and relationships are often central to the psychological challenges that individuals face. I use Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT) techniques to highlight patterns in the therapeutic relationship, which can provide clients with powerful insight and inform movement towards desired change. To suit each client's unique needs, I also integrate cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based techniques, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), into my practice. While the therapeutic techniques I utilize are primarily present-focused, I also aim to increase self-compassion by acknowledging the influence of early attachments and past experiences on present difficulties.

My goal with all clients is to cultivate a safe and empowering environment where they can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I prioritize collaboration and encourage my clients to advocate for their treatment needs.

Education and Experience

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 2020, with a minor in Family Studies. While attending NAU, I was involved with an organization that served youth who had lost a parent to intimate partner violence. This experience solidified my interest in helping individuals impacted by adverse childhood experiences, such as maltreatment, loss of a family member or loved one, and exposure to parental substance use, community violence, and/or domestic violence.

I am currently completing my 5th year of the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2023 en route to completing the doctoral program. My research has broadly focused on emotional regulation, depression, and PTSD in adolescents with a history of abuse and/or neglect.

My practicum and research experiences have allowed me to work with a diverse array of individuals in a variety of settings in the Las Vegas area, including community mental health clinics, schools, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and foster care facilities.

Personal Interests

I was born and raised in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. I moved to Arizona in 2016 and to Nevada in 2020. I enjoy doing things outdoors, like mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking…unless it's over 100 degrees. On those days, you'll find me playing card games with my partner, binge-watching a true-crime documentary, or starting (and occasionally finishing) a crochet project. I also enjoy hanging out at the dog park with my BFF, Freya. I love live music and traveling to see concerts with friends. Artists that I have seen recently include Alanis Morrisette, Bleachers, Maggie Rogers, Angie McMahon, Pat Benatar, Hozier, and Taylor Swift. I am also an avid podcast listener and am always looking for new recommendations!