about me
Hi, I’m Katie!
and I’m really glad you’re here today.
I’m not the typical "sit and nod” type of trauma therapist. I’m authentic. I’m approachable. I’m fiercely non-judgmental and accepting. I’m also no stranger to the byproducts of trauma, and I understand how a moment in time can interrupt the life you had planned for yourself.
I approach this work with the idea that the way you talk to yourself, about yourself, will have a huge effect on how you experience your own life. Sometimes, when unwanted things happen to us, we come up with justifications as a way to make sense of it. Sometimes, after an incident, we tell ourselves that it was our fault, that we are not worthy of respect, or that we’re damaged - all as an attempt to make sense of what happened. Those feelings are valid, AND you are not bound by those narratives forever. Together, we can safely and skillfully notice, explore, disarm, and reclaim the words we say to ourselves, which will impact the way we navigate the world. No matter what chapter you’re on, know that this is not where your book of life ends, and we can reclaim your power and control together.
my philosophy
In our sessions, I'll model how to be vulnerable and genuine by being that way myself. I bring creativity, compassion, and even humor into our work, because therapy shouldn’t be sterile or clinical - it should be real, like life. I’ll ask you how your weekend went, and how far you’ve gotten with your new favorite Netflix show. I genuinely want to know how you’ve been doing. I’m not afraid to talk about the awkward or hard stuff, and I’m also not afraid to let you know when you’re limiting yourself.
Some of my core beliefs that I infuse into our time together include:
You are the expert on your own life, and you have everything within you to heal yourself
You are not broken, and you do not need fixing
The way you talk to yourself about yourself is one of the most important things we can recognize
Your projection is your perception
What we resist, persists
All “parts” of you are welcome here
A good therapist’s role is to hold safe space alongside you, layering in appropriate tools and techniques that are individualized to YOU
experience
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Maryland, Washington DC, and Alabama
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) & Reiki Jin Kei Do Certification
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 Certified
Advanced Trauma Certification, The Ferentz Institute
Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The Body Keeps the Score” Training on Somatic Experiencing at Kripalu
Sandtray Therapy training
EMDR Certified (Level 1 & 2)
education
Master's Degree in Clinical & Macro Social Work (UMB)
Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology (UMD)
Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology (UMD)
clinical trainer
Appointed to serve on the Maryland State Commission on Trauma-Informed Care (2022-present)
I train fellow trauma therapists and public service/ safety officers on the neurobiology of trauma and healing, as well as creative and empowering approaches to post-traumatic growth
I supervise other therapists and social workers in Maryland
Why “The Wellnest”
To me, a “nest” reminds us that we can find safety and growth even if we’re sitting on a pile of jagged twigs. We all have our own “twigs” (or life challenges) - some twigs being things that happened to you, and others being things you inherited. In therapy, I don’t seek to destroy these twigs, but rather acknowledge them, recognize the pain they’ve caused, and help you tap into your inner courage to work with the twigs, to rearrange them and disarm their threat and find a new meaning that makes sense for you. We work to reclaim control over these “twigs” so you can build and cultivate your own safe space - to build your very own nest on your own terms - where you heal your inner child and other parts of yourself, to feel worthy and whole, just as you are, and just as you always have been, and eventually learn to fly again.
My logo (made by Ayana Owens) is inspired by the Zen word ensō - an imperfect hand-drawn circle to express a moment when the mind is free to let the body create. It is also inspired by the Japanese view “wabi sabi” centered on the acceptance of imperfection and impermanence - all values that I incorporate into both therapy and daily life.
What’s Next?
I’m on your team. Let’s see if we’re a good fit.
Continue to get to know me & my style @thewell.nest
