Katie Bortniak
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, practicing since 2014, with a Master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University (2012). Over the years, I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, past trauma (emotional and physical abuse), maternal mental health, medical trauma, relationship difficulties, parenting stressors, and major life transitions. I am trained in multiple evidence-based and expressive approaches, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Brazelton Touchpoints, Perinatal Mental Health, and Art Therapy techniques. This allows me to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. I truly value walking alongside clients on their healing journey, helping them move toward the goals and life they envision. I know reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and I would be honored to be part of your path toward growth and well-being.
My hope is to help clients build the tools and confidence they need to manage overwhelming emotions and life stressors on their own, without ongoing support from me.
First session
In our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions about your background and what you’ve been experiencing recently so I can better understand your story and how best to help you on your journey. Together, we'll develop treatment goals that reflect what matters most to you and the areas you'd like to focus on throughout our work together.
Strengths
I believe my greatest strengths as a clinician are meeting clients where they are, validating their experiences, and empowering them to work toward their goals. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and understood. My approach is collaborative, meaning we work together to explore challenges, build on strengths, and find strategies that fit each person’s unique needs. Above all, I want clients to feel encouraged and confident as they move forward on their journey of growth and healing.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parenting challenges, women’s issues, and perinatal concerns. I work well with clients who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck in unhealthy patterns, are navigating life transitions, or struggling to balance personal responsibilities and relationships. I also support individuals looking to better understand themselves, improve coping skills, process past experiences, strengthen emotional regulation, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I use EMDR to help individuals process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to affect their daily lives. This approach can be especially beneficial for individuals experiencing symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive memories, panic attacks, or other trauma-related distress. I integrate EMDR within a safe, supportive, and individualized treatment approach, ensuring clients have the coping skills and emotional resources needed throughout the process. I have completed EMDR training and am currently working toward EMDR certification to further enhance my skills and provide evidence-based trauma treatment.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My initial training was in client-centered play therapy, where the focus is on reflecting and acknowledging your feelings to help you make deeper connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and know what’s best for your future. My role is to support you in tuning into that inner voice and quieting the other distractions so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Once these patterns are identified, I work with clients to replace negative thoughts with healthier, more positive ones. This can also help to gain insight into how situations from your past may be affecting you currently.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- FloridaLicense SW13856