Hello! My name is Katherine McVay, and I am a licensed professional counselor in Texas. With three years of professional experience and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, I deeply understand the challenges many face. I have a background working with children and adolescents, college students, and individuals. In addition to my work with individuals and groups, I have also had the opportunity to work with couples and families, helping them improve their communication, mend relational patterns, and develop practical strategies to support one another. I genuinely believe that we all can find pathways to understanding and healing. Over the past year, I have offered online counseling sessions, reaching out to clients from various backgrounds and addressing important topics such as trauma and abuse, grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and the difficulties that come with life transitions. I recognize that each of these areas can feel overwhelming, and I am here to support you through each step. My primary focus is on helping survivors of trauma and guiding individuals through life changes. I am passionate about finding creative solutions to your challenges, utilizing innovative interventions and self-monitoring activities designed to empower you. As your counselor, I will strive to create a warm and safe space where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Together, we will work to instill a sense of empowerment and foster trust in both the counseling process and your own instincts. I am a Neuro-Affirming and LGBTQIA+ Affirming clinician, dedicated to ensuring my practice is inclusive and welcoming for all. Taking the brave step to start counseling is a significant milestone, and I want to commend you for taking this important journey towards healing and growth!
In our first session, I like to create a welcoming space by starting with some important housekeeping details. This includes what you can expect from our time together, the limits of confidentiality, and an introduction to the counseling process. I want to ensure that you feel completely comfortable and informed, so I take a moment to pause and clarify any questions you might have before we move on to our introductions. Once we’ve covered that, I’ll invite you to share what brings you to counseling at this time and the type of experience you hope to achieve. Understanding your unique needs and goals is my priority, and it helps me determine some initial steps we can take together. Finally, we’ll discuss scheduling our next session and explore any other aspects that will help you feel at ease as we begin this journey together. I'm here to support you every step of the way.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to meet you where you currently are in your journey. I recognize that we are all human, and I strive to create a space where we can share our experiences and be vulnerable together. My focus is on empowering clients by helping them gain insight into themselves and navigate their relational patterns with others. I believe that by incorporating creative interventions, we can approach problem-solving in a way that resonates most with you and feels meaningful. Additionally, I bring experience from my research on sex trafficking survivors and working with individuals impacted by community trauma. My goal is to hold a safe and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and experiences, and I’m committed to being there for you for as long as you need. Your growth and healing are my top priorities, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
I have a genuine passion for working with clients who are eager to embrace new experiences and approaches in their therapeutic journey. Many have described me as an out-of-the-box thinker, and I wholeheartedly embrace this perspective, allowing it to shape the way I conduct our counseling sessions. I thrive on collaborating with clients to uncover creative, accessible, and flexible solutions to their challenges. Together, we explore coping strategies that resonate deeply with their unique circumstances and connect the dots between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I find it particularly rewarding to work with neurodivergent individuals, as I strive to create an inclusive and supportive space that honors their diverse experiences and perspectives. Additionally, I often support clients who are navigating significant life changes, helping them adapt and find stability during times of uncertainty. My goal is to foster an environment where we can approach problems together, leading to meaningful insights and lasting growth.
As a relational counselor, I look forward to connecting with you and treating you with respect. I believe that relationships are the driving force of change, and as such, our counseling relationship is no different. In our sessions, you can plan to grow with me through uncovering and processing your current issues in a supportive, safe space.
Through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, I can offer a compassionate environment where individuals can process distressing memories and emotions. This innovative approach empowers clients to confront their past experiences, fostering healing and facilitating lasting positive change. I believe that my warm and nurturing demeanor, combined with the techniques of EMDR, allows me to create a safe space, encouraging clients to explore their thoughts and feelings with confidence and assurance.