You don’t have to stay stuck.

Your past may shape your present, but it doesn’t have to define your future. You can reclaim your life, and I’m here to help.

Hi, I’m Katie! (she/her)

I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a trauma-informed and relational therapist helping adults who feel stuck—whether in anxiety, grief, shame, or patterns of not feeling good enough. I provide virtual therapy for clients in California, Illinois, and North Carolina, offering traditional talk therapy and EMDR therapy. My specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, complicated grief, trust and intimacy, and self-esteem problems.

As a neurodivergent therapist, I deeply understand what it’s like to navigate a world that doesn’t always feel built for you. This lived experience allows me to show up with deeper empathy, flexibility, and creativity in therapy, meeting you exactly where you are. I take a relational, human-first approach, creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and gently challenged toward growth.

  • You feel trapped in a loop of anxiety, held back by doubt and past mistakes.

    You go through your day trying to focus on work or enjoy time with friends, but there's this nagging feeling that something isn’t right. When you’re in certain situations—like meetings or social gatherings—your heart races, and your mind starts to spiral. You find yourself avoiding conversations or certain activities that others do not, and sometimes even feeling paralyzed to continue. You might think, "Why do I feel this way? I should be happy," but instead, you feel stuck in a loop of doubt and anxiety, replaying old mistakes or relationships that left you feeling inadequate. You want to move forward and live in the moment, but something is keeping you unhappy, confused, and even stuck.

  • You struggle with perfectionism and feel like you’re never good enough.

    You often find yourself caught in a cycle of self-doubt, constantly questioning your worth and abilities. Whether at work, with family, in social situations, you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to perform perfectly, and the fear of disappointing others looms large. You might notice that your anxiety manifests in physical ways—like a racing heart or tightness in your chest—especially when faced with challenges. You do your best to keep everything under control, but no matter how hard you try, it never feels like enough. Deep down, you long to feel confident and secure in who you are.

  • You are stuck, weighed down by guilt and shame.

    You often find yourself replaying past mistakes or experiences, unable to let them go. Despite your best efforts to move on, the guilt lingers, making you question your worth. In everyday moments, you might feel a heavy cloud hanging over you, preventing you from truly enjoying life. You want to break free from these feelings and live more fully. 

  • You feel isolated and misunderstood, burdened by the weight of cancer.

    When you mention cancer, the silence that follows or the awkwardness in others' responses only deepens your sense of isolation. It’s as if the people around you don’t know how to relate, and you’re left to navigate the emotional turmoil alone. Whether you’re dealing with the reality of cancer yourself or walking alongside a loved one, the strain is palpable. It can feel like your world has shifted, and those closest to you are unsure of how to support you. This lack of connection leaves you questioning if anyone truly understands what you're going through, making it even harder to process the flood of emotions you're facing.

  • You’re aware that unresolved trauma is affecting your life, but facing it seems too hard to do.

    The weight of past experiences lingers in your mind and body, and deep down, you know it’s affecting how you live, love, and move through life. But the thought of confronting those memories—of fully acknowledging the pain and fear—feels like too much to bear. There’s a fear of what might resurface, of how it might change you, or of feeling even more vulnerable. It’s easier to keep pushing it down, pretending it’s not there, but you know that avoidance only keeps you stuck, preventing you from healing and moving forward.

  • It’s time to face what’s holding you back so you can move forward and find the peace you deserve.

Who I work with & what I do best

Whether you're navigating the effects of trauma, loss, or emotional pain, I provide a space to heal, grow, and rebuild your sense of self. Together, we’ll explore how past experiences shape your relationships, coping, and emotional patterns, addressing challenges like attachment wounds, betrayal, and perfectionism. My goal is to help you break free from cycles of shame, build resilience, and create healthier connections with yourself and others.

  • Trauma can leave you feeling trapped in the aftermath of painful experiences, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness. However, trauma doesn’t always present itself clearly—sometimes you may not even realize you’ve experienced trauma, but it can show up as anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating, or emotional detachment. I specialize in working with individuals to process and heal from the lasting effects of trauma, even when it’s not immediately obvious. Alongside a trauma-informed talk therapy approach, I incorporate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based method that allows you to process the underlying memories driving these symptoms, reduce distress, and regain control over your life. Together, we’ll work toward relief and emotional resilience, helping you reclaim your sense of safety and peace.

  • Anxiety can feel like a constant state of unease, whether it shows up as racing thoughts, restlessness, or a sense of dread that never quite goes away. It might manifest as difficulty focusing, excessive worry, or physical symptoms like a racing heart or trouble sleeping. Sometimes, anxiety is linked to past experiences or unresolved fears that your body and mind are holding onto. I help individuals identify the root causes of anxiety, offering a calm, supportive space to work through these overwhelming feelings. We will explore the triggers behind your anxiety and develop practical tools to manage it, empowering you to regain a sense of calm and control.

  • Depression can feel like an overwhelming heaviness, making even the simplest tasks seem impossible. It may manifest as persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, or feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. Sometimes, depression is connected to unresolved emotional pain, trauma, or life transitions that leave you feeling stuck. I work with individuals to explore the root causes of depression, offering a safe, supportive space to process these emotions. We will work together to break through the emotional barriers, helping you rediscover a sense of purpose, connection, and hope.

  • Complicated grief goes beyond the normal mourning process, leaving you feeling stuck in overwhelming sadness, numbness, or anger long after the loss. You may find it hard to move forward, experience intense yearning for what’s lost, or feel disconnected from life. Grief can also manifest in ways that may surprise you—showing up as difficulty concentrating, physical symptoms, or even anxiety and depression. For those impacted by cancer, whether dealing with your own diagnosis or supporting a loved one, the emotional weight can be even more intense. Cancer can shift your entire world, leaving you feeling isolated, uncertain, and navigating a different kind of loss. I help individuals facing cancer-related grief, guiding you through this complex and painful journey by creating a space where your feelings are validated and gently explored. Using a compassionate and trauma-informed approach, I support you in processing the deep layers of grief, finding meaning, and reconnecting with life in a way that honors both your loss and your healing.

  • Trust and intimacy issues can significantly affect your relationships, leaving you feeling disconnected, anxious, or fearful of vulnerability. These challenges often arise from past experiences, particularly betrayal trauma, which occurs when a significant person in your life—such as a partner—violates your trust. This is especially poignant in cases of chronic infidelity, where repeated breaches of trust can lead to deep emotional scars, leaving you feeling unworthy, confused, and unsure of your own perceptions. The impact of chronic infidelity can make it difficult to form new connections or fully engage in existing relationships, causing pervasive anxiety about being hurt again. As an Associate Partner Trauma Therapist, I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complex emotions associated with betrayal trauma. In our work together, we will create a safe space for you to explore these feelings, heal from past wounds, and develop healthier relationship patterns, empowering you to foster deeper connections while honoring your boundaries and needs.

  • Self-esteem problems can deeply impact your overall well-being, affecting how you perceive yourself and your ability to engage with the world around you. You may struggle with feelings of unworthiness, self-doubt, or a harsh inner critic that undermines your confidence and keeps you from pursuing your goals. These challenges can stem from various sources, including past experiences of criticism, trauma, or unrealistic societal expectations. In our work together, I will provide a compassionate and supportive environment to explore the roots of your self-esteem issues. We will work on building a more positive self-image and fostering self-compassion. Together, we’ll challenge negative beliefs, develop healthier coping strategies, and empower you to embrace your worth and potential, paving the way for a more fulfilling life.

Ways we can work together

$175

I offer 50-minute individual therapy sessions where you can safely explore current struggles, past traumas, and life transitions. Together, we’ll reflect, process emotions, and develop tools to support your healing and growth—all at your own pace.

Individual

$200 /$225

I offer 50- and 75-minute couples counseling sessions for premarital support and navigating family dynamics. We’ll strengthen your relationship by improving communication, addressing family influences, and setting healthy boundaries. Each session fosters open dialogue to help you and your partner feel heard, understood, and connected.

Couples

$225 / $250

I offer 50- and 75-minute EMDR therapy sessions to help you process and heal from trauma. Using guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation, we’ll reprocess painful memories in a safe and supportive space. Each session is tailored to your pace, helping you heal and move forward with clarity and resilience.

EMDR

A space for you — exactly as you are.

In a world where safety, identity, and autonomy are increasingly under threat, I want you to know: this is a space where you are seen, valued, and protected. Here, your voice matters, your experiences are honored, and your existence is never up for debate.

As a neurodivergent woman, I understand the challenges of marginalization and the impact that can have on one’s sense of self. At the same time, I recognize the identities I hold and the privileges that come with them. I am committed to the ongoing work—both personally and professionally—to avoid perpetuating harmful patterns and to ensure that I am not another well-meaning, but problematic therapist. This means I strive to create a space that is genuinely inclusive and sensitive to the complexities of your lived experiences, free from bias or harm.

Whether you are navigating the weight of systemic oppression, the grief of uncertainty, or the exhaustion of simply existing in a world that too often refuses to make room for you, know that here, you don’t have to justify yourself.

You belong.

This is more than therapy. It’s a refuge. A place where healing, identity, and authenticity are not only welcomed but celebrated.

Book a free consultation call

I recognize this first step is the hardest which is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation call. Let's connect, discuss how we can work together to help you achieve your goals, and see if we are a good fit!