Visual description: 5’3”, Kazakh, Russian, and mixed heritage cis- woman. Dark, pixie cut mullet with lime green accents. Alternative with moderate tattoos and piercings, including facial piercings. Accessorising with cicada earings, natural stone choker, and other jewelry.

Heyo, my name is Асель Кульмешкенова - Asel Kulmeshkenova (Ah-cell; she/her) and I am an LAMFT (Licensed Associate of Marriage and Family Therapy).

I am originally from Kazakhstan and moved to the US when I was 7. I identify as Kazakh, immigrant, queer, BIPOC, autistic, and alternative (still a rebellious goth kid at heart).

I do not have a clinical approach. I will show up as my neurodivergent self, who’s eager to explore, support, and challenge you with a ton of curiosity and care. My approach is collaborative (I trust that you’re the expert on yourself!), straightforward, casual, and transparent. I welcome us sitting in silence, embracing anger, holding space to be vulnerable, having a cry, and/or laughing deeply as we honor your body’s needs and processes. You do not need to censor or filter yourself with me (we can cuss, cry, stomp our feet, etc.), all your parts are welcome and I’ll be with you every step of the way. 

I enjoy working with misfits, BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ folks, couples, men, and anyone who’s ready to explore their identity outside of societal scripts, norms, and expectations. My work focuses on couples (mono/poly), men’s mental health, sex/sexuality/intimacy, anxiety/depression, and intersectionality of identities.

I am body, SW, sex, biracial, white passing, and LQBTQIA+ positive.

I am also trauma informed and trained in Brainspotting, which helps people process trauma in their bodies that isn’t as easily accessed through talk therapy.

In my personal time

I have made an effort to prioritise my pleasure/joy, which consists of me taking care of my mental and physical health. I weightlift, practice martial arts (Muay Thai and BJJ for 10+ years), eat well, take a bunch of supplements/vitamins, dance, read A TON of books (fiction, mental health, and non fiction), binge tv shows, crochet, make art in multiple mediums, and connect with friends.

Therapy in Russian

Although my first language is Russian, I was displaced at a young age and didn’t continue speaking through adulthood. I am working hard on reconnecting with the language and can speak casually, however, at this time, I do not feel comfortable navigating therapy sessions solely in Russian. There is a lot of terminology and concepts I don’t feel comfortable translating and I believe I would miss some important information in the process. When/if this ever changes, I’ll be sure to update y’all.

Most of all

I am not perfect, I do not have all the answers, I am not done growing (nor do I ever want to be), and I will make mistakes. Anyone who says otherwise is on some bullshit. I am open to feedback and critique, I will be open to learning, staying curious, and owning what’s mine. I would be honored to share space with you in this process.

Visual description: Kazakh grandmother dressed in a long sleeved, dress cover and headscarf, standing behind a 7 year old me, looking down, crying, and holding a large doll and stuffed monkey. This is the last moment in Kazakhstan before relocating to the US.

Visual description: selfie of teen me with heavy dark eye makeup, long dark hair with a red colored streak, and leather choker and chain. Proof that it’s not a phase MOM - and if it is- it’s lasted 20+ years

Visual description: teen me dressed in a red, flowy traditional Kazakh dress with gold ornamental designs, and a white headpiece. I’m sitting in a valley in Kazakhstan and the dress is spread out in the grass. In the background there is forest and small hill/mountain range.

Visual description: adult me in a crowd of other metal heads at the front of a stage for a metal music video. I’m screaming and holding my hand with rock horns above my head.