About Our Team
Our Philosophy
The highs and lows of life can be challenging sometimes. Finding the right person to listen to you and walk with you through your struggles makes the world feel a lot more manageable.
We have a passion for supporting people during their hardest times. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, confused, overwhelmed, stressed, or anything in between, we can help.
Our philosophy with therapy encompasses an empathetic and holistic approach to ensure you walk away feeling heard, seen, and equipped to handle life.
Our Team
Kelsey Powell
MNZAC: 99451
Kia ora! I’m Kelsey, the founder of The Therapy Project in Queenstown, New Zealand. With a Master of Arts in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver and over a decade of global experience, I specialize in trauma therapy, cross-cultural counselling, and workplace mental health.
My goal is to walk with you through the challenges you are experiencing, whether it's anxiety or depression, issues at work or with friends/family, or even childhood experiences you want to work through. I am originally from the US and have been living in Queenstown since 2016.
My career spans high-profile crisis interventions in Colorado, mental health advocacy in Ghana, and supporting refugees and individuals navigating life transitions. At The Therapy Project, I use evidence-based modalities such as CBT, ACT, Psychodynamic Theory, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness to create a compassionate, client-centered space for healing. I offer trauma therapy, workplace EAP services, and cross-cultural counselling tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Whether you’re processing trauma, managing stress, or navigating change, I’m here to help you build resilience and thrive.
Kristen Tandy
Registered Counsellor | Starting in August 2025
Email: kristen@thetherapyproject.co.nz | Mobile: 022 530 6744
Kia ora! I’m Kristen, a dedicated and compassionate counsellor originally from California. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Chico, and went on to complete my Master of Arts in Counseling and Career Development at Colorado State University. With over five years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, couples, and families across all stages of life.
I believe that many of life’s challenges trace back to our relationships, whether with family, partners, colleagues, or ourselves. My work is rooted in helping clients explore and strengthen these connections while navigating issues such as anxiety, trauma (past and present), life transitions, work-related stress, and interpersonal conflict.
My approach is integrative and tailored based on the unique needs of my clients. I draw from a range of modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR. I also bring specialized training in Relational Life Therapy (RLT) for couples, premarital therapy, and I am a certified perinatal and postpartum mental health practitioner (PMH-C).
I’m especially passionate about working with diverse identities and communities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, those living with chronic illness or disability, and clients exploring identity, values, and purpose. My counseling journey began in career development, and I continue to support clients with career exploration, processing career-related trauma, and understanding how learned experiences from family and childhood impact career decisions.
Above all, my hope is to show up for my clients as a fellow human in the room. My aim is to create a warm, safe, and collaborative space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful change at your pace, and with intention.