LISW, 7 years of experience
My name is Kaitlin Pohlman and I am a mental health therapist with experience supporting children, teens, and adults both young and older since 2018. I earned my bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University and my master’s in social work at Walden University. I help clients work through anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, life transitions, and identity challenges using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and existential therapy. I also work as a counselor for individual's with chronic and terminal illnesses and I am passionate about assisting individuals in processing their new or ongoing disease and to work with them on finding meaning and purpose as they navigate the complexities of the illness. My approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and an open mind. I also have a spiritual side and enjoy exploring holistic practices like meditation, supplements, yoga, and reiki to support healing. I believe therapy should be a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and supported as you move toward a life of greater meaning and peace.
In our first session, which usually lasts about an hour, I’ll do a bio-psycho-social assessment to get to know you and your story. We’ll talk about your background, life experiences, important milestones, and what brings you to therapy now. I’ll also ask about your goals so we can create a plan that helps you reach them. If there are things you’re not ready to talk about, like past trauma, that’s absolutely okay — I’ll follow your lead. My priority is to build trust and a strong connection with you so you feel safe, heard, and comfortable as we move forward together.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is that I truly understand what it’s like to struggle. I’ve dealt with my own experiences of depression and anxiety, and I’ve learned the importance of having a strong self-care plan to protect and maintain my mental health. These personal experiences, along with many ups and downs in my own life, have made me deeply empathetic and compassionate toward others. I’ve also worked in many different settings throughout my career — from helping teens and kids in group and individual therapy, to supporting adults with substance use challenges, to guiding individuals and families coping with chronic or terminal illnesses as a palliative care counselor. I’ve even worked in a correctional treatment facility, which has strengthened my belief that everyone deserves understanding, respect, and a chance to heal. I bring this broad experience, along with my open-mindedness and genuine care for people, into every session. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and supported as you navigate life’s challenges and build a life that feels meaningful to you.
I believe I am most skilled at working with individuals 18 to 100 who are facing challenges like anxiety, depression, grief and loss, difficult life transitions, identity crises, spiritual crises, and navigating terminal illness or end-of-life concerns.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Together, we look at unhelpful thinking patterns, learn ways to challenge or change them, and practice new skills to help you cope and feel better in daily life. It’s a practical approach to help you feel more in control and reach your goals.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them control you. We focus on what really matters to you — your values — and practice new ways to take action toward a meaningful life, even when things feel hard. ACT is about building skills to stay present, handle challenges, and live in line with what’s important to you.
I use Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to help you build more kindness and understanding toward yourself, especially if you struggle with harsh self-criticism or shame. Together, we work on strengthening your inner sense of safety and self-compassion, so you can respond to life’s challenges with more balance, courage, and care for yourself and others.
I use Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) to help you better understand, express, and work through your emotions. Together, we explore how your feelings shape your experiences and relationships, and we practice ways to process difficult emotions in a safe, supportive space. The goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself and others, and to use your emotions as a guide for healing and growth.
I use grief therapy to help you process the pain of loss in a safe, supportive space. Together, we talk about your loss, honor your loved one or what you’ve lost, and explore ways to cope with the many emotions that come with grief. My goal is to help you find meaning, healing, and a path forward while still holding onto what’s important to you.