Kelly Rae Robertson, MS, MSCJ, LAPC, CCTS, NCC
Grief, Trauma & EMDR Specialist
Welcome to Mindful Coast Counseling
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTS), an EMDR-trained therapist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Point Park University.
My primary specialties are supporting children, teens, and families navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions.
After losing my father in high school, I became my blind mother's primary caregiver. That experience shaped me early, teaching me about grief, resilience, responsibility, and the lasting impact loss can have on a young person's life.
Those lessons continued to influence my career for more than two decades in journalism, criminal justice, and victim advocacy. As a journalist and later a Criminal Court Investigator in Pittsburgh, I worked closely with individuals and families navigating trauma, violence, grief, and life-changing events. Those experiences reinforced my belief that while people cannot always choose what happens to them, they can learn to heal, grow, and move forward—a belief that remains at the heart of my work today.
In 2019, I began volunteering at the Highmark Caring Place, supporting grieving children, teens, and families. What started as volunteer work quickly became something much more meaningful. Sitting with young people experiencing profound loss showed me the power of compassionate support and inspired me to return to school and pursue a new career in counseling.
Today, I serve as a Grief and Clinical Services Specialist at the Highmark Caring Place while also seeing clients through my private practice. In both roles, I help young people and their families navigate grief, trauma, and life's most difficult moments.
I am especially passionate about working with children and adolescents. Young people are often more resilient than they realize, and it is a privilege to help them build confidence, discover their strengths, and find hope during difficult times.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I strive to create a safe and empowering space for clients. I believe meaningful change begins with connection.
At the heart of my work is a simple goal: to provide the kind of support I wish I had when I was young and grieving, and to help children, teens, and families discover that healing is possible, even after life's hardest moments
Why Work With Me
I offer more than advanced clinical training—I bring more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through grief, trauma, crisis, and life's most difficult moments.
Areas of Focus:
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Grieving children, teens, and families navigating loss and life after death.
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First responders, law enforcement professionals, and veterans coping with trauma and PTSD.
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Children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions.
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Survivors of abuse, violence, and other traumatic experiences.
What I Bring to My Work:
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More than 20 years of experience in journalism, criminal justice, victim advocacy, grief support, and counseling.
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Specialized training in trauma, grief, PTSD, EMDR, and crisis intervention.
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Extensive experience supporting children, teens, and families through loss and adversity.
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A warm, collaborative, and judgment-free approach grounded in resilience, connection, and hope.