Kelly Arbabi
You Don’t Have to Navigate Relationship Struggles Alone
Maybe you feel stuck, unable to break through the same arguments or disconnection, unsure of how to move forward. Perhaps your relationship no longer feels like a safe, fulfilling place. Or you're an individual asking, Why do I keep ending up in the same patterns? You want to understand yourself better and build stronger, healthier connections.
Therapy can help.
I work with people who care about their relationships, whether they’re in one or trying to decide if it’s the right one. I help couples who are struggling, partners preparing for marriage, and families who are learning to blend. I also support individuals going through breakups, dealing with co-parenting, working on communication, or trying to find clarity during major life changes.
My clients aren’t looking for someone who just nods, they want honest, skilled support. They want tools, insight, and change. Whether you're facing divorce, infertility, parenting stress, or relational trauma, you deserve a space where you're seen, challenged, and supported. That's what I offer.
I use research-based methods to support real change in your relationships and emotional well-being. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy to help couples move out of conflict and into deeper connection, and I use tools from the Gottman Method to improve communication and rebuild trust. For clients healing from past pain or trauma, I incorporate EMDR techniques to gently process what's been holding them back. Together, we’ll create a plan that fits your needs and helps you feel more grounded, connected, and clear.
If you're ready to do the deep, transformative work of healing and connection, I'm here to help.
Becoming a therapist is a second career for me, but in many ways, it was always part of the plan. Before counseling, I spent years in education as a teacher and head volleyball coach at McKinney Boyd High School. My husband, now retired, was the principal at McKinney High School. In 2022, we took a leap together and purchased two Primrose Preschool franchises. Through these experiences, working with students, parents, and families from all walks of life, I saw firsthand the powerful impact therapy can have on emotional health, relationships, and personal growth.
So in midlife, I followed the pull. I earned my Master's in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Lamar University and found my joy in this work. I'm passionate about helping people navigate tough transitions, strengthen their relationships, and reconnect with themselves along the way. I approach therapy with care, curiosity, and a belief that healing happens in safe, honest spaces.
I hold a Bachelor’s in Business Education and was a Division I student-athlete at Middle Tennessee State University. A native Texan, I’ve lived in McKinney since 2006. My husband and I have been married for over 12 years. Together we parent a beautiful blend of four children, including two stepchildren and two biological children - thanks to IVF. Life with our crew spans every stage, and I bring that lived experience into my work with clients navigating blended families, parenting, infertility, or marriage challenges.
Kelly Arbabi
Licensed Professional Counselor