Hi, I'm Kady Fleckenstein,
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (#152625), mom of two and a local Santa Ynez Valley resident. After a career of over twenty years as a marketing and communications executive, I earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Currently I am accepting California clients ages 18 and older (individuals or couples) for virtual (online) appointments or in-person appointments in Solvang, California. I utilize an integrated, systemic approach to therapy with an emphasis on treating couples and families in addition to adults and adolescents. Keep reading below to learn more.
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<<-- that is a real picture of me in my office. No fancy headshot, this is me! I encourage my clients to show up however they show up each day. Sweatpants encouraged!
My Story
Like many, the start of the pandemic was the catalyst I needed to make a big change in my life. Not only was I turning 40 at the time but, after having been through many significant life experiences, I understood the power of therapy as a tool for both healing and change. I felt there was more I could offer to help others navigate life's challenges and so began my journey to become a therapist. Fast forward to today and I feel honored to continue to offer therapy to Santa Ynez Valley and California residents in my Solvang office (and online).
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Staying up-to-date with the latest research is important to me. I utilize tools that help reduce painful symptoms (mental, emotional and physical) and lead to effective change. Healing comes when we learn to integrate our mind and body and make connections with others in a deeper, meaningful way. Together we will create a plan for growth and improved health for a better tomorrow.
Additional Credentials
Board of Directors Positions
Director of Communications
Santa Barbara Chapter of California Marriage and Family Therapists
(SBCAMFT, 2022-2025)
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2025 Chapter Leader Award Recipient
Certifications
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
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Psychological First Aid
National Center for PTSD & The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
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Mandated Reporting
Mandated Reporter California
Community Mental Health
From 2021 to 2022, I completed an internship at People Helping People in Solvang, California where I provided therapy for kids, adolescents, adults and families. During that time, I also taught Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons to fourth and fifth graders at Santa Ynez Elementary School and facilitated lunch discussion groups.
Additional Trainings
I have completed well over a hundred and fifty trainings so far and continue to attend trainings regularly. Here are just a few of the many trainings I have attended:
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
PESI
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Anxiety Certification Course
PESI
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Sandtray Therapy
Crisis Intervention & Suicide
People Helping People
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Finding Meaning in Loss: The Sixth Stage of Grief
PESI (David Kessler)
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Prenatal and Infant Loss
PESI
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Healing the Wounds of Trauma
NICABM
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Perinatal Paternal Mental Health
Cottage Hospital
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Addressing Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)
Institute for Health & Recovery
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Eating & Substance Use Disorders
Center for Discovery
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Single Session Approach
SBCAMFT
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Mindfulness Certification Course
PESI
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DSM-5 Differential Diagnosis for Clients with Trauma
PESI
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...and many more!
Special Skills & Interests
Interested in incorporating the creative arts into your therapy sessions? With an extensive background in vocal and theatre performance, I welcome the integration of music, art and other creative arts in our work together. Here are a few of my special skills:
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Vocal performance (classical, musical theatre, jazz/blues, folk and pop)
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Acting
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Songwriting
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Piano & Guitar
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Poetry
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Cooking & Baking​
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Fishing
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Hiking
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Rock collecting
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Traveling
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Languages
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If you are passionate about any of these areas or ones not mentioned above, please let me know!
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