Hi! My name is Katie Thompson. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. It is my passion to help people and create a space where my clients can express themselves and have an opportunity to heal and grow. Most clients I work with are experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, and difficulties with self-esteem; they may also be going through a life transition such as a recent move, job loss, graduation, or a break up. My main goal when working with a client is to create a space where my client can experience growth and healing, an improved sense of confidence and esteem, and achieve overall improvement in their daily lives.
What is your approach/what methods do you employ?
My approach to counseling is client-centered. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as the basis of the therapeutic process and I meet my clients with authenticity, empathy, and a focus on the client’s needs in the moment. We explore the coping skills that are being used and explore different ways to cope with difficult emotions as needed. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and expressive art techniques in session as well as strength-based approaches to explore and improve coping skills and to understand the client’s relationship with themselves and others.
What age groups do you work with most often?
I typically work with clients between 10-35 years old, but enjoy working with all ages.
Are you passive or active in the session? What can a client expect while working with you?
Typically, I am active in session, interacting and working with the client to achieve their goals and learn and practice skills; but each session varies depending on the client’s unique needs in each session. A client can expect sessions to be a safe place where they explore their lived experience, daily stressors, and past hurts. My clients receive empathy, encouragement, and support in session, as well as healthy challenge and accountability when needed.
What is your background and what are your credentials?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Throughout my counseling career I’ve worked in many settings, including residential mental health hospital settings and various private schools in Central Florida. I am trained in Sand Tray Therapy from the Institute of Playful Healing, and most recently completed Level 1 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training in January 2020.
What is the reason you decided to get into counseling?
I love to sit with others, build relationships with my clients, and create a safe place where they can take a break from the stress of the world and have time dedicated to their needs. I truly want every person to have a place where they can explore their emotions and lived experience with the support of a counselor to work through the difficulties of life. It is an honor to work with clients and help them achieve their goals and be a part of their life story.
Tell us about your education.
I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. After graduating, I moved to Florida to attend Stetson University where I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling.
Schedule your free 20-minute phone or video consultation today
