Kelli received her professional degree in Occupational Therapy (BScOT) in 1992 from the University of Western Ontario.
In 1998 Kelli earned a diploma in Group Psychotherapy from the Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association (CGPA), following a 2-year intensive training program.
In 2005 Kelli received her Master's degree (M.Ed.) in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. Also in 2005, Kelli earned a Graduate Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy Studies through the University of Guelph and the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OAMFT). Kelli has extensive training and experience in various models of counselling and psychotherapy.
In 2008 Kelli completed a 5-day externship in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). She is a member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (ICEEFT). She has training and experience in a variety of couple and family therapy models, including Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and Systemic Family Therapy, which are approaches that she draws from extensively in her work. She also utilizes principles and methods of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Kelli has extensive training in Sex Therapy, including a clinical practicum in the Sexual Medicine Counselling Unit at the Sunnybrook and Women’s Health Sciences Centre (2003-2004). She has completed the Intensive Sex Therapy Training Institute (2001); the Advanced Training Program in Treating Female Sexual Dysfunction Institute (2002); and the Sexual Attitudes Reassessment (SAR) Institute (2006) through the University of Guelph. From 2006 to 2008 she participated in a monthly Sex Therapy Training and Supervision Course, overseen by two approved supervisors of the Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario (BESTCO). Kelli continues to attend biannual BESTCO training modules, as well as several other yearly conferences and workshops specific to sexual health and sex therapy.
Kelli believes strongly in the pursuit of “life-long learning”. She regularly participates in professional development and educational events to enhance and upgrade her therapeutic skills.
She practices from a trauma-informed lens, and she recently completed a course on Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)—an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Since 1992 Kelli has worked in the Eating Disorders Program at the Toronto General Hospital where she provides group, individual, family, and couple therapy. In addition to her work at the Toronto General Hospital and her private practice, Kelli has facilitated support groups at Sheena’s Place, a support centre for people with eating disorders. She has facilitated groups on topics such as Talking about Sex; Food, Body Image, and Sexuality; Connecting as Couples; and Adult Support.
Kelli’s research interests and experience are in the areas of Eating Disorders and Sexuality. She holds a teaching appointment (rank of Lecturer) at the University of Toronto, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the Faculty of Medicine. Kelli is the recipient of several teaching and education awards, including a teaching award from the University of Toronto for “Overall Outstanding Contribution to Occupational Therapy Education” (2002-2003), and the University Health Network (UHN) OT Teaching Award for excellence in student teaching activity (2004-2005). She received the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy 2011 Community Partners Award for “Outstanding Significant Contribution During 2010-11”.
Kelli has published several articles in scholarly journals and popular media. She is an accomplished speaker and has presented internationally at workshops, conferences and other speaking engagements on topics related to sexuality, couple therapy, and sex therapy.
Please note that services provided by Kelli Young in her private practice are completely separate from and in no way affiliated with nor connected to her current or past employment or affiliations with UHN/Toronto General Hospital, Sheena’s Place, or University of Toronto.
