Who I am - Kate (she/they)
Hi there! I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with teens and families. Outside of my professional life, I’m someone who values balance and staying active—whether it’s exploring local trails, throwing pottery, or swimming in Lake Washington. Creativity and nature are grounding practices for me that help me stay connected to both myself and the world around me.
For me, community is one of life’s greatest gifts. I believe in the power of interconnectedness and living beyond ourselves as a pathway to continued evolving with life’s twists and turns. Our relationships and shared experiences shape who we are and how we engage with the world. I aim to create spaces—whether in my work or personal life—where people feel supported, seen, and heard. I’m deeply committed to understanding my role in the bigger picture and contributing to a more compassionate, thoughtful community.
I prioritize creating a space where others can be authentic and embrace their true selves. Whether I’m outdoors, in the clay studio, or connecting with others, I believe in the power of shared human experience and how we can all grow stronger and more connected by embracing life’s interwoven nature.
My Experience and Approach
My therapy practice, good enough counseling, is named as a nod to the work of theorist Donald Winnicott, who believed in the idea of the "good enough" parent—someone who doesn’t have to be perfect but is attuned and present. The name resonates with me deeply, as it speaks to my belief that we are all, no matter where we are in our lives, exactly where we “should” be. It’s a reminder that you are good enough right now, exactly as you are, and it’s okay to give yourself permission to be less than perfect. Whether you’re a parent, a teen, or simply someone navigating life’s ups and downs, you are enough. Importantly, being enough doesn’t mean remaining stagnant—it means accepting where you are now while continuing to evolve.
My work is grounded in psychodynamic theory, meaning I focus on how past experiences and relationships shape who you are today. I also prioritize relationally-focused therapy, centering connection, trust, and understanding which are all essential components of the therapeutic process. I’ve been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can be helpful in identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns, and I integrate principles from Motivational Interviewing to support you in making meaningful changes at your own pace.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with teens in schools, adults as an Emergency Department mental health evaluator, and families as a therapist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. My work has largely focused on supporting young people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and I have extensive training in the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). This specialized approach helps individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate difficult emotions with support.
While I have expertise in working with adolescents, I also have experience and interest in working with individuals at any age or stage of life. I especially enjoy helping those who may be hesitant about starting therapy, perhaps at the encouragement of a partner or loved one. It’s never easy to take that first step, but I promise to make the process as comfortable as possible for you—whether you're navigating complex emotions, relationship dynamics, or simply exploring who you are and how to feel more connected to yourself.