A Conversation with Kesem Solell-Knepler: In-Person and Online Therapy in Richmond, VA

Kesem Solell-Knepler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Aspen Grove Wellness, who is currently accepting new patients in person in Richmond, VA and online in the rest of the state.

At Aspen Grove Wellness, we talk a lot about therapy as a relationship. A relationship one built on trust, honesty, and the felt sense that you don’t have to carry everything alone. Kesem Solell-Knepler, LCSW brings that belief to life in a way that feels both grounding and gently encouraging. We sat down with Kesem to talk about first impressions, emotional safety, and what it can feel like to begin therapy when you’re not quite sure you’re “ready” but something in you knows it might be time.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND FEELING SAFE

Stephanie McGraw: When someone sits down with you for the first time, whether that’s in person here in Richmond or online, what do you hope they experience?

Kesem Solell-Knepler: I hope they feel safe and open. I want them to feel like I’m someone they can trust and feel comfortable sharing with. I also hope they feel a sense of pride – that they just did something vulnerable and challenging by showing up.

Stephanie: I love that you name pride. Starting therapy often comes with nerves, but there’s also courage there. How do you help people feel more at ease early on, especially if they’re unsure or doing therapy for the first time?

Kesem: I remind them that they’re in the driver’s seat. This is their space, and I’m here to support them. They can share as much or as little as they want, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right to them.

Stephanie: That sense of choice really matters. What do you wish more people knew before starting therapy, especially if it feels intimidating? Kesem: I wish they knew that many therapists go to therapy too. And I wish they knew that change is possible, even if it feels far away right now. Sometimes it’s closer than you think.

WHAT THERAPY WITH KESEM IS LIKE IN RICHMOND, VA

Stephanie: If someone has never done therapy before and is trying to imagine what sitting with you might feel like, how would you describe your presence?

Kesem: Warm, curious, and direct. I also like to bring some lightness into sessions when it feels appropriate. Therapy can hold depth and still feel human.

Stephanie: That balance really comes through. When you think about therapy more broadly, how do you understand the work itself?

Kesem: I see therapy as a process you can go through to take care of yourself. It’s not about fixing something that’s broken – it’s about support, awareness, and growth.

Stephanie: What feels most important to you about the relationship between a therapist and a client?

Kesem: Trust, honesty, and flexibility on both sides. Those are the things that make the work possible.

Stephanie: How do you balance having some structure while still leaving room for what shows up in the room?

Kesem: I come in prepared, but I always ask clients what they want to focus on. Flexibility helps create trust and keeps the space open. It’s important to respond to what feels most alive for the client that day.

NOTICING CHANGE AND NAVIGATING STUCK POINTS

Stephanie: When therapy is going well, what do you tend to notice changing first?

Kesem: Often it’s being able to name emotions, even if someone doesn’t yet know what to do with them. I’ve also noticed people smiling more – sometimes before they even realize things are shifting.

Stephanie: I love that. Those subtle signals really matter. What about clients who feel stuck or who’ve tried therapy before and weren’t sure it helped?

Kesem: I start by validating that experience. Then I ask what worked and what didn’t, and whether they’re open to trying something different. I also acknowledge how meaningful it is that they’re willing to try again.

WHO TENDS TO FEEL AT HOME WHEN WORKING WITH KESEM

Stephanie: In your experience, who often feels most at ease working with you?

Kesem: Young adults, especially those in that 18–25 range.

Stephanie: Are there particular seasons or challenges you feel especially drawn to supporting?

Kesem: Burnout, stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and trauma.

Stephanie: What do clients often tell you they appreciate about working together?

Kesem: That I’m approachable and that I listen with intention.

Stephanie: And just as important, who might not be the best fit for your style?

Kesem: Children. There are many wonderful clinicians who specialize in working with kids, and it’s important to connect people with the care that fits them best.

BEING HUMAN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE THERAPY ROOM

Stephanie: What does “being human” in therapy mean to you?

Kesem: Allowing emotions and words that might not come out perfectly. Being emotionally vulnerable and real.

Stephanie: What originally drew you toward this work?

Kesem: I’ve always wanted to work with people and help improve their quality of life.

Stephanie: And outside of therapy, what helps keep you grounded?

Kesem: Spending time with loved ones, rock climbing, hiking, and traveling.

Stephanie: How do you take care of yourself so you can show up fully for clients?

Kesem: By having fun. Going to bed early, eating breakfast, and having tea every morning. Those routines really matter to me.

PRACTICING WITH ASPEN GROVE WELLNESS

Stephanie: What drew you to Aspen Grove Wellness specifically?

Kesem: The values and the mission. That stood out right away.

Stephanie: How do shared values within a team show up in client care?

Kesem: When a team truly believes in the values, they practice them in session. It helps us show up as more grounded providers.

Stephanie: What does it feel like to work in a space that prioritizes connection and sustainability?

Kesem: Warm and welcoming. It feels like a practice, not just a job or a task.

Stephanie: How do you hope clients experience Aspen Grove Wellness differently?

Kesem: As holistic and whole. I want people to feel welcomed and valued, especially since so many have experienced poor communication or being “ghosted” in healthcare settings.

IN PERSON AND ONLINE THERAPY IN RICHMOND, VA

Stephanie: What do you enjoy about offering in-person therapy in Richmond?

Kesem: I like sharing physical space with people. There’s a sense of connection that comes from being in the room together.

Stephanie: And how does online therapy change access to care?

Kesem: It removes barriers like transportation and travel. It’s opened therapy up to so many more people.

Stephanie: What would you say to someone deciding between in-person and virtual therapy?

Kesem: Choose whatever makes you feel the most connected and comfortable.

IF YOU’RE READING THIS AND WONDERING…

Stephanie: If someone is on the fence about starting therapy, what would you want them to hear?

Kesem: Allow yourself to try it. You don’t have to continue if you don’t want to, but it might surprise you.

Stephanie: What about someone who worries they’re not ready?

Kesem: You don’t have to be ready to try something new. There’s no right or wrong time to start therapy.

Stephanie: What does it mean to you when someone trusts you with their story?

Kesem: It feels powerful and important. If someone chooses to trust me, I work very hard to protect that trust.

Stephanie: If someone only read one sentence about you, what would you want them to know?

Kesem: I’m here to meet you where you are, without judgment. I really value people and the complexity of growing through what we’ve been through.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Kesem Solell-Knepler is currently accepting new clients for in-person therapy in Richmond, Virginia and online therapy across Virginia through Aspen Grove Wellness.

If her approach resonates with you, we’d love to help you explore what getting started could look like. You don’t have to have everything figured out to reach out.

Call us at 804-404-2181 or click here to get started.