About

Life is a long journey during which we experience moments of joy, sadness, excitement, fear, hopefulness and despair. At times, we can become stuck in the more painful moments, preventing us from moving forward and regaining a feeling of balance and control. If left unexplored or unchallenged, these powerful negative experiences can become overwhelming and influence one’s sense of self-worth, autonomy, and motivation to persevere.

Katie’s empathetic and inquisitive approach allows her to connect with her clients during vulnerable times. Recognizing that every person experiences life through his or her own unique lens, Katie works compassionately and diligently to understand each client’s perception of self, others, and interpretation of life events. Joining a client during these challenging life moments creates an environment of understanding and acceptance. In the security of this relationship, a client is able to gain introspection, challenge self-defeating and critical thoughts, and identify and build on personal strengths.

Katie is the owner and clinical director of Affective Counseling and has been providing counseling to individuals, groups and couples for over 15 years. Her background includes intensive work with individuals struggling with mental illness, anxiety, eating disorders, life transitions, relationships, trauma, self-esteem, depression and anger. Having the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, non-profits, outpatient community mental health centers and private practice, Katie has acquired approaches and techniques that have enabled her clients to meet personal goals and overcome life obstacles.

Katie utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotion-focused counseling to assist clients in exploring emotional hurdles, reframing negative views of self, challenging and diminishing unproductive behaviors, and developing tangible coping skills. Understanding that every client is unique, Katie customizes her treatment approach to match each client’s individual needs and strengths. Clients are the experts on themselves, and therefore take the lead in the counseling process by focusing on what they find most troubling or most important. This collaborative process allows clients to retake control of their thoughts, emotions and behaviors and redirect their life’s direction.