A bit of background
I’m Katharine (they/she) and I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Minnesota. I’m a queer, nonbinary, white able-bodied human and believe therapy can be one of the most transformative experiences we can offer ourselves.
My professional background has been varied. I’ve worked in early childhood services, community centers, youth-prevention programs, HIV/AIDS clinics, shelters, schools, and in PHP, IOP and outpatient levels of care in eating disorder clinics. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education from Mount Holyoke College and have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from The University of Southern California. I’m currently completing a certificate in Sex Therapy through the University of Michigan.
I started my private practice in early 2018. The namesake of Concord was inspired by my queeros, Tegan and Sara, whose album, The Con, really impacted my life. I’m a Midwest transplant. Born and raised in Washington State, I’ve also lived in Massachusetts, New Zealand, and California before landing in Minneapolis. On the side, I enjoy spending time with my partner, hanging out with our pittie-mix grown puppy dog, watching women’s soccer, and traveling.
My Approach
The foundation of my work is relational. I often draw perspective from Attachment Theory. Difficult and painful experiences often happen within relationship(s) so the healing process can be ideal within the safe and trusting relationship that therapy can offer. As such, I tend to work with folks longer-term. This also means that we will explore lots of the relationships you have in your life. The ways in which we were treated in relationships naturally shows up in our relationship dynamics as adults. Experiences such as anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, low self-worth, perfectionism, self-harm, and diets are just some of the clues on the surface that underlying relational experiences are present.
The therapy experience is different for everyone. My relational style often involves conversation, curiosity, humor, occasional references from the TV show The Office, and lots of compassion. I’ll offer up perspectives to help make sense of experiences, regularly identify intersections and systems of oppression, and gently challenge when appropriate and with consent. I’ll collaborate and strategize with you to navigate situations. This process centers you!
I’m a therapist who does their own therapy. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to reach out for support. Learning to engage with shame and practicing vulnerability is hard. With that in mind, I welcome you as you are and will ensure our work together goes at pace that works for you. Caring for your mental health is a radically awesome act. You’re SO worth it!