Katheryn Whittaker
Katheryn Whittaker
I am a highly experienced clinician with a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, as well as certifications and licensure in Marital and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, and various specialized fields. I also serve as an adjunct professor, blending my passion for academia with my clinical expertise. My clients span individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on addressing emotional, relational, and mental health challenges. My work includes specialized support for immigrant populations, particularly Latino communities, informed by my extensive research in social policy and Latino immigration. Whether guiding clients through personal growth, helping couples rebuild their relationships, or providing trauma recovery, my approach empowers clients to achieve mental wellness and resilience. To further enhance my clinical practice, I have pursued an extensive array of certifications and specialized training. This includes advanced neurofeedback training, trauma treatment workshops (EMDR, CBT, somatic-based interventions), and suicide prevention strategies. I am also certified in Gottman Couples Therapy and Rapid Resolution Therapy for sexual trauma, equipping me with a broad set of tools for complex issues. Additionally, my training spans addiction recovery, family mediation, and cultural immersion, allowing me to serve a wide range of clients from diverse backgrounds. My commitment to ongoing education ensures I stay at the forefront of new therapeutic practices, maximizing the impact I have on my clients' lives.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
What can clients expect to happen in their first session with you? In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming, non-judgmental space where they will feel heard and understood. I will take the time to learn about their background, concerns, and goals, helping them feel comfortable sharing their experiences. We’ll explore the specific issues that brought them to therapy, whether it's emotional distress, relationship challenges, trauma recovery, or other mental health concerns. During this initial session, I will also explain my approach to therapy, including the different techniques and strategies I use, such as trauma-informed care, neurofeedback, and evidence-based modalities like EMDR or CBT. Additionally, clients can expect to discuss the structure of future sessions, setting clear goals and developing a treatment plan that aligns with their needs. I believe in empowering my clients by ensuring they understand the therapeutic process and feel actively involved in their healing journey. By the end of the first session, my goal is for clients to feel supported, confident in the process, and clear on the next steps in their path toward growth and recovery.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for my clients. I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships, ensuring that clients feel heard and understood from the very first session. This connection allows me to foster trust, which is essential for healing and progress. Additionally, my extensive training in a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as neurofeedback, EMDR, and trauma-focused interventions, enables me to tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, offering flexible and effective solutions.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals, couples, and families who are navigating a wide range of emotional, relational, and mental health challenges. Specifically, I specialize in working with clients facing trauma, mental health struggles, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My expertise extends to those experiencing the effects of sexual trauma, individuals in crisis, and couples seeking to improve communication and strengthen their relationships.
About Katheryn Whittaker
I identify as
Specialties
Serves ages
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Family Therapy
In my practice, I use family therapy to help individuals and families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships. By working with family members as a unit, I guide them to understand each other’s perspectives and create healthier patterns of interaction. I tailor my approach to each family’s unique situation, whether it's addressing adolescent struggles, navigating divorce, coping with grief, or supporting recovery from addiction. I focus on creating a safe space where everyone can express themselves and work together toward lasting solutions, using techniques like role-playing, communication exercises, and problem-solving strategies.
EMDR
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process and heal from past trauma. Through EMDR, I guide clients to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements). This process helps reframe the emotional and cognitive responses associated with those memories, making them less distressing and more manageable. I use EMDR to treat a variety of issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and phobias, by helping clients reprocess traumatic events and reduce the power these memories hold over their present lives. The goal is to empower clients to feel more in control of their emotional reactions and improve their overall well-being.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients develop skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and increase overall emotional regulation. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, and I guide clients through four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I work with clients to help them build resilience and learn practical tools to cope with difficult situations, especially when facing challenges like self-destructive behaviors, anxiety, or mood disorders. DBT provides a structured approach, giving clients a balance of acceptance and change, helping them create a more balanced, fulfilling life.