Empowered Connections

Group counseling is a great way to connect with others who are working through similar issues. It is an empowering and dynamic process, with all participants playing an important role through their contributions. It can work well on its own or serve as a powerful complement to individual counseling. 

Please review the current group and workshop offerings below. Complete the registration form to learn more!

Group for Early Morning Moms (GEMMS)

Virtual

Join this early morning group to share the ins and outs of mom life, process your feelings, and build community. This group will meet for six weeks at 7:00 a.m.


Therapeutic Bibliotherapy Group

Virtual | Six Sessions

Bibliotherapy, or book therapy, involves reading a specific text to explore the impact of the storylines and key themes on the participants. This allows them to process their trauma, develop emotional regulation skills, and ultimately begin to heal. 

Session One: Introduction to the book

Session Two: Deeper exploration of key themes and characters

Sessions Three through Five: TBD

Previous discussions will determine the group work, which may include journaling, art therapy, group discussions, and letter writing. 

Session Six: Moving forward and goal review

Prior to beginning, participants will be screened to ensure they are a good fit for the group and can commit to attending all sessions. They will also be asked to read the book or at least a portion of it before the first session and are expected to finish by the second session.

For a more in-depth look at how bibliotherapy groups work, check out my recent blog post.

Groups & retreats

Journey to Professional Empowerment

A workshop series designed specifically for women who have recently graduated from college. This supportive environment will help you confidently present yourself in interviews and at work, build meaningful relationships, and plan for your future. Whether you’ve just started a new job or are still seeking employment, these workshops will cover essential topics such as career assessments, goal setting, and relationship building. You'll have the opportunity to share your experiences in a safe space, gain peer support, and reclaim your power to achieve your career aspirations.

Confident College Women

This counseling group is tailored for women entering college this fall or currently enrolled. Participants will focus on boosting self-esteem, building healthy relationships, and developing assertiveness skills to enhance their college experience. Join us to connect with peers, share insights, and gain the tools needed to thrive in this exciting new chapter of your life!

teen self-esteem group

Virtual | Six Sessions

Designed for girls ages 14-18, this group focuses on building confidence and assertiveness. Participants will explore their strengths, embrace a growth mindset, and cultivate self-compassion. Each 75-minute session will feature engaging hands-on activities alongside meaningful discussions, creating a supportive environment for personal growth and connection.


speaking engagements & workshops

speakingengagements

Dr. Kelly Gentry's expertise includes career development, higher education, feminist issues, gender-based violence, mental health, and healthy relationships. She has taught college students, presented at professional conferences, hosted psychoeducational workshops, and served as an event panelist for over 15 years.

Professional Development Topics may include:

  • Mental health issues among women

  • Gender-based violence (on College Campuses and at-large)

  • Working with K-12 students on developing healthy relationships

  • Effective ways to talk to our children about healthy relationships

  • Career development issues 

    • Empowerment for women returning to work

    • Professional communication

    • Creative ways to explore your career

Past Presentations & Speaking Engagements

Mental Health and Gender-Based Issues

  • Poetic Healing: Using Poetry to Validate Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence

  • “Well, at least they’re  not raping you”: College Women in Abusive Relationships & the Campuses that Leave Them Behind

  • Assessing students for anxiety and depression in school

  • Conducting qualitative research using social media

  • Intimate partner violence

  • Teaching appraisal/assessment: Strategies for engaging hesitant students

  • College Women and Intimate Partner Violence: What it is and what it means

  • An intentional approach to integrating sexuality into counselor education and practice

  • The New code meets old school: Ethics preparation best practices in counselor education

Higher Education & Career Development

  • Leadership and masculinity: Unpacking the influences of gender presentation and sexual identity on employment advancement

  • Getting In and beyond: Preparing first-generation college-goers for success

  • Strategic connections: Connecting 2nd degree earners with traditional undergraduates

  • I got an offer…now what?

  • Job search strategies

  • Interview like a pro

  • Writing convincing cover letters

Interested in customized workshops or speaking engagements for your group or organization? 

MEET Dr. kelly gentry

Dr. Kelly Gentry
Mental Health & Career Counselor

I have been working in career counseling and mental health for fifteen years! Over the years, most of my experience has been in colleges and universities. I love working in higher education, and I credit my various roles on campuses in NY and NJ, sparking my interest in and love for working on career and gender-based issues.

I help women struggling in their roles as daughters, friends, bosses, significant others, mothers, or co-workers learn to address the inner issues preventing them from communicating effectively and building healthy relationships. Working from a feminist and empowerment standpoint, I believe that every client has the power within to make change and live life to the fullest – they need help tapping into it! I do not believe that I can empower you – I work with you so that you can begin to reclaim your power. Whether you have recently left an abusive relationship or are trying to figure out how you can be more confident and happy in your interpersonal relationships, I can help.

“Together, we can identify your strengths and work toward helping you find balance and happiness in Life, love, and work.”