Hi! I’m Kathy
I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and I bring over 25 years of experience in the wellness and mental health field. I also remain deeply engaged in my own personal growth - which I believe is an important thing to note when choosing a therapist.
My approach is compassionate, direct, and grounded in curiosity, integrity, and authenticity. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches including: EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Conscious-Living-Based Work. My primary clinical approach is based on a nervous system perspective.
I also have a background in addictions, and I specifically work with family members and friends of those who are battling addiction, have grown up in families where there was addiction and/or personality disorders (ie. narcissism).
With a deep appreciation for the human-animal connection, I have also worked as an Animal Assisted Therapist for decades. I believe deeply that animals can be vital to our healing and that including them in the therapy process is a powerful intervention itself. I began working as an Animal Assisted Therapist in 2005 with my former partner, Kayla (a chocolate lab). My current therapy dog is a rescue mix named Leasel. She looooves her work and will be very excited to meet you!
As far as the more “resume” side of my background goes, I invite you to check out my professional profile on my LinkedIn Page. The link is located in my footer.
Educationally, I completed my BA at CU, Boulder in 1997 and my MSW at The University of Pennsylvania in 2001. I’ve engaged in robust continuing eduction since completing my formal training and feel privileged to have learnt from some of the best in my field over the past 2 decades.
I'm enthusiastic, compassionate, and committed to living from curiosity. I also make space to have some fun along the way!
And This Is Leasel
Leasel is a 10 year old border collie rescue mix whom I’ve had since she was a teeny, tiny baby. Leasel has a very sensitive temperament, and it’s taken her several years to become a good fit as a supportive therapy dog. Her favorite thing is to greet our clients outside and show them into the office. Then (as you can see here) she snuggles up on your lap (if you allow her to) and gets right to work!
If you’ve never worked with a dog in therapy before, you might be surprised to learn that they can be a very valuable part of the therapy experience. They can help you to:
Ground in the moment – Animals live fully in the present, and being with them can gently guide you out of your racing thoughts and back into your body.
Calm your nervous system – Simply petting a dog or sitting in their quiet presence can bring down stress and anxiety, creating a sense of safety and calm that words alone can’t always reach.
Experience unconditional acceptance – Animals don’t judge, analyze, or expect you to “perform.” Their steady companionship can help you feel seen and valued just as you are.
Support easier access to your emotions – Sometimes it’s easier to open up when there’s a gentle, loving animal nearby. They provide comfort that makes exploring difficult feelings less overwhelming.
Experience joy and playfulness – Healing work can be intense, and animals naturally bring in lightness, laughter, and connection. Their playful energy reminds us that joy is also part of healing.
Observe them modeling connection – Animals show us what trust, loyalty, and attunement look like in a simple, pure form. This can be a powerful mirror for building healthier connections in your own life.
* It’s important to note that if you are not comfortable with dogs, Leasel is an optional part of therapy with me. She is only a part of sessions in which she is fully welcome.
What does it mean to work from a nervous system perspective?
Working from a nervous system approach means paying close attention to how your body and mind respond to stress, relationships, and past experiences. Trauma, anxiety, or ongoing challenges don’t just live in our thoughts—they also live in the body, often showing up as tension, overwhelm, shutdown, or reactivity. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, helping you learn how to notice what’s happening inside and respond in ways that create more balance and safety.
Instead of trying to “think your way out” of what you’re experiencing, we gently work with your body’s natural rhythms. You’ll learn practical tools to regulate your nervous system—things like grounding, breath-work, or simple somatic practices that help you feel more present and steady in the moment. Over time, this allows you to move through difficult feelings without being overtaken by them and to expand your capacity for calm, connection, and joy.
This approach is about more than just managing symptoms—it helps address the root of what you’re going through. By listening to your nervous system and teaching it new patterns of safety and regulation, you can experience deeper healing, greater resilience, and a stronger sense of trust in yourself.