Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S

Creator of The And Way™

Available for Keynotes, Panels, Workshops & Podcasts

Why Choose Kelsey Blahnik
as Your Speaker?

Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, is a clinician, speaker, and author of the upcoming book The And Way™. She is committed to bringing peacemaking into our politically divided world through grounded dialogue, emotional insight, and courageous compassion.

With extensive experience in behavioral health, including work with substance use recovery, unhoused individuals, and veterans, Kelsey has seen firsthand how polarization fractures families, communities, and systems. This deep understanding fuels her mission to foster empathy and resilience across divides.

Kelsey is also an advocate and active leader with Love Anyway, where she co-hosts monthly reconciliation gatherings focused on dialogue and repair. Her therapeutic experience and advocacy work make her a powerful voice for organizations, professionals, and communities seeking change.

Through her speaking engagements, Kelsey weaves together clinical expertise, lived experience, and a strong ethical compass to guide audiences toward more humane, hopeful, and connected ways of leading and living.

What is The And Way™?

At its core, The And Way™ is a modality that embraces paradox. Rather than collapsing into extremes or avoiding discomfort, it teaches people to stand in the tension of “both/and.” Rooted in relational neuroscience, systems theory, and contemplative practices, The And Way™ guides individuals and communities to engage with nuance, foster emotional resilience, and move toward transformation with integrity. It’s not about fixing conflict, it’s about forming the capacity to walk through it, without abandoning yourself or others.

Speaking Topics

Every talk Kelsey gives is rooted in The And Way™ framework and shaped by the needs of the audience. Popular sessions include:

  • Holding Tension Without Breaking - How to stay grounded in emotionally charged spaces

  • Parts Work Meets the Public Square - A practical introduction to internal conflict, dignity, and dialogue

  • Dignity as a Practice - Bringing humanity and humility back into professional relationships

  • The Middle Isn’t Neutral - Why nuance, not avoidance, is the real path to transformation

Speaking Formats

Kelsey is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, panel discussions,
interactive workshops (virtual and in-person), and podcasts.

Whether you’re planning a large conference or a focused training,
Kelsey brings structure, warmth, and a deeply attuned presence.

Keynote Presentations

Ideal for conferences, summits, and large gatherings.

Kelsey delivers thoughtful, story-driven keynotes that spark reflection and inspire action. Her talks are rooted in real-world experience and offer both hope and practical tools for navigating complexity.

Workshops & Professional Development

Ideal for therapists, educators, healthcare teams, and nonprofits

Kelsey’s workshops blend teaching, facilitated reflection, and small group work. Popular for CEU events and team training, they focus on real-world topics like burnout, ethical alignment, and assertive communication.

Podcast & Media Appearances

Ideal for reaching broad audiences through digital platforms

A warm and articulate guest, Kelsey brings therapeutic insight and personal stories to podcasts, webinars, and virtual events. She excels at translating complex ideas into digestible, meaningful takeaways.

Audiences Served

Kelsey has spoken at events across the country and is a trusted voice for:

Mental health professionals and social workers

Educators and school counselors

Faith-based and community groups

Corporate teams and leadership retreats

Nonprofit and mission-driven organizations

Podcast hosts and digital media outlets

Notable Engagements

Kelsey has spoken at a variety of impactful platforms and events, including:

  • NASW Conferences (TX, FL, NC) – Ethics and Self-of-the-Therapist Presenter

  • University Guest Speaker - Univ of Texas & Univ of North Carolina

  • Podcast Guest – Sparks in Action and others focused on mental health, burnout, and communication

  • Live & Virtual Workshops – Delivered CEU trainings to hundreds of therapists across the country

  • Webinar Host – Led large-scale trainings on ethics, self-awareness, and brave conversations

NASW Texas Conference |

NASW Florida Conference |

NASW NC Conference |

Sparks in Action Podcast |

Love Anyway Monthly Circles |

UT School of Social Work |

University of North Carolina |

NASW Texas Conference | NASW Florida Conference | NASW NC Conference | Sparks in Action Podcast | Love Anyway Monthly Circles | UT School of Social Work | University of North Carolina |

What People Are Saying

This training couldn’t be more timely given the intensity of our current political and cultural climate. As a clinician, I often witness how polarization affects my clients’ relationships, sense of safety, and emotional well-being. "The And Way" offers a compassionate, structured framework that feels both grounding and empowering. It’s a tool I believe will support me not only professionally, by helping clients navigate difficult conversations and complex relational dynamics, but also personally, as I engage in my own interactions with greater curiosity, openness, and courage. I’m grateful for the clarity and hope this approach brings to such challenging territory.

- Attendee

This is a timely and very important topic. It is helpful to find ways to advocate for engagement and conversation within a place of conflict. Loved the training and look forward to more.

- Attendee

The workshop was helpful to me in feeling more comfortable exploring really tough gray areas alongside other like-minded individuals who were grappling professionally and personally with similar issues that I have been wrestling with.

- Attendee

How to Book Kelsey

Whether you're planning a conference, training, or podcast, Kelsey would love to learn more.
Click below to start the conversation!

Connect and Stay Inspired

Thank you for spending time here.

If you’re still thinking about how Kelsey’s message might connect with your audience, or with your own story, we’d love to offer you something meaningful:
a free preview of her upcoming book,
The And Way™.

Chapter One will give you a deeper sense of her voice, her values, and the impact she brings to every room.

For direct inquiries, you’re always welcome to reach out or follow along on Instagram for encouragement, event updates, and ongoing reflections.

Email: admin@theandwaytherapy.com
Instagram: @theandway