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: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World. Her work centers on helping people engage conflict with complexity: within themselves, in relationships, and across larger systems,
rather than defaulting to extremes.
The And Way™ is a powerful framework for building psychological flexibility: the ability to stay grounded in your values while navigating discomfort, change, and discord. Rather than reacting from fear or rigidity, the model equips individuals and communities to pause, assess what's really at stake,
and respond with clarity and compassion.
Kelsey brings this framework to life with stories, tools, and practical insights that speak to a wide range of audiences, including therapists, leaders, educators, parents, advocates, and anyone looking for a new path toward connection.
What is The And Way™?
The Core Principles of
The And Way™
1. Integration Over Opposition
→ It’s not about choosing one side or the other; it’s about integrating both to create something stronger.
2. Holding Complexity Without Overwhelm
→ We can honor multiple truths at once without needing to force them into a binary.
3. Flexibility & Resilience in Thinking
→ Staying open-minded and adaptive allows for deeper connection and better problem-solving.
4. Assertive AND Compassionate Communication
→ You don’t have to choose between being kind or being honest—you can be both.
5. Balance in Personal Growth & Relationships
→ You can accept yourself as you are AND work toward change.
Speaking Topics
Beyond Either/Or: Building Psychological Flexibility in a Polarized World
Learn how to stay rooted in your values while navigating uncertainty, complexity, and contradiction.Assertive Communication: Strong Walls and Open Doors
Find the balance between protecting yourself with boundaries without landing in isolation
Sustaining Passion and Preventing Burnout in Social Work: A Dialectic Approach
Move beyond people-pleasing or conflict avoidance with strategies for clear, compassionate dialogue.Holding Tension Without Breaking
Learn how to stay grounded in emotionally charged spaces
Dignity Over Domination: Leadership The And Way™
Explore how to bring humanity and humility into leadership, conflict, and everyday decision-making.Good Enough: The Art of Change and Acceptance
Access peace by holding tension while working toward growth
The Middle Isn’t Neutral: Engagement is Our Way Forward
Discover why nuance, not avoidance, is the real path to transformation
Ethics & Politics in Mental Health Therapy
Discover how to hold conviction and compassion in the therapy room
Speaking Formats
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 agencies
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
The And Way™ was born in the therapy room, yet its applications go far beyond it.
Educators & Thought Leaders
Nonprofit Professionals & Advocates
Business & HR Teams
Faith Communities
People Dealing with Cultural or Political Tension
Parents & Caregivers
College & Graduate Students
Therapists & Helping Professionals
Community Organizers
Anyone Navigating Hard Conversations or Big Decisions
Notable Engagements
Kelsey has spoken at a variety of impactful platforms and events, including:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Conferences in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina
University of Texas School of Social Work
University of North Carolina School of Social Work Ethics Conference Keynote
Company Retreats
Podcast Guest – Sparks in Action and others focused on mental health, burnout, and communication
Live & Virtual Workshops – CEU trainings to hundreds of therapists across the country
Webinar Host – 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
What Sets Kelsey Apart
15+ years of clinical experience
Presenter at statewide NASW conferences and graduate programs
Recognized voice in conversations about ethics, nuance, and conflict
Engaging growing audiences through workshops, podcasts, and social media
Rapidly growing online presence and interest in The And Way™ approach
How to Book Kelsey
Whether you're planning a conference, training, or podcast, Kelsey would love to hear from you.
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: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World.
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