Dr. Kaitlin Ward
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a PhD in Social Work & Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan. Beyond my work as a trauma and parenting researcher, I'm passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families heal through therapy. Currently, I offer telehealth services to residents of Illinois and Michigan. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, social justice, and anti-oppressive principles. Leaning into the uniqueness of every person and family, I take a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of your context, life experiences, and mental health. I'll provide you with practical, evidence-based tools that are tailored to your specific needs. Knowing that the therapeutic relationship is essential for healing, I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space where you, your child, or your family can feel comfortable and supported in the ways that matter most.
Beyond my work as a trauma and parenting researcher, I'm passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families heal through therapy.
First session
Our first session will involve a bio-psycho-social assessment to get to know you better, understand your reasons for seeking therapy, and explore your goals for change. I provide a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable building a therapeutic relationship. I view our first session as a foundation-laying process, where we gather information and plan for the future. Subsequent sessions will focus more on specific, evidence-based treatment strategies to help you reach your goals. I'll use everything we discuss in our first meeting to ensure my approach is culturally responsive, contextually informed, and tailored to your unique background and needs.
Strengths
My greatest strength is my commitment to providing services that are both evidence-based and deeply personalized. By grounding my approach in science-backed practices, I ensure that I'm offering the most effective and up-to-date interventions. However, I also recognize that every individual is beautifully unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach often isn't helpful. I tailor my therapeutic strategies to your specific circumstances, taking into account your cultural background, personal values, and life experiences. I value your feedback and perspective, and always want to know what is and isn't working for you, so that you are empowered to build the life you want.
Ideal clients
I have experience helping folks cope with a variety of different challenges. Anxiety, OCD, and Depression: I work with clients of all ages who experience negative, unwanted, or intrusive thoughts. Some of my clients have difficulty going to school, struggle with perfectionism or performance at work, notice that their fears are impacting their relationships, or getting in the way of living the life they want to live. Some of my clients feel down, depressed, or hopeless, and may struggle with suicidal ideation. If you or your child are feeling this way, we'll work together to empower you to navigate fears and uncertainty with confidence. Trauma and PTSD: I work with clients who have experienced trauma across developmental stages, including child abuse and neglect, critical illness, sexual and physical abuse, sex and human trafficking, government-sanctioned torture, war, domestic violence, gender- and race-based violence, and familial abuse. If you're experiencing symptoms like intrusive memories, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and avoidance due to trauma, we will focus on strategies that will help you feel safe in your world and body again. Parenting: As a parenting researcher, I publish peer-reviewed articles and stay informed of the latest evidence related to parenting and parental discipline. If you're a parent wanting to respond to your child's anger, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation in a more effective way, I'll arm you with evidence-based strategies that will make your and your child's life easier. LGBTQ+ Empowerment: I've helped folks of all ages navigate both the beauty and difficulty of understanding their unique identities. I work with parents of LGBTQ+ children, children and teens struggling with or exploring their identities, and adults navigating queer relationships, experiencing identity-based discrimination, or discovering their authentic selves later in life. Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, my practice is a safe space for you. Relationship Therapy: I provide child and family therapy, couples/marital therapy, and therapy for romantic or committed relationships broadly defined. I see parents who are attempting to improve their relationship with their child, adolescent, or adult child; people who want to communicate more effectively with their partners; couples experiencing intimacy concerns; and folks who are navigating polyamory or non-monogamy.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is a powerful approach that can help you navigate life's challenges with greater ease. If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, chronic illness, or pain, ACT can provide tools to manage these difficulties and reconnect with what truly matters to you. Together, we'll explore ways to accept what you can't change, and commit to actions that align with your values and goals.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy
If your child has been through a difficult or traumatic experience, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) can be a valuable tool. This approach focuses on strengthening the bond between parent and child, which can help both of you heal and recover from the impact of the event. By working together, we can promote healthy child development and reduce symptoms of stress or trauma.
Trauma-Informed Care
If you've experienced trauma and are struggling with symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, or avoidance, Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) can help. TIC is a therapeutic approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on your life and provides a safe, supportive space for healing. Together, we'll work to understand your experiences and develop strategies to manage symptoms, regain a sense of control, and work toward feeling safe in your world and body.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a proven approach that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Together, we'll explore the patterns that may be contributing to challenges in your life and develop practical tools to break free from negative thought cycles. By learning to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs, you can cultivate healthier ways of thinking and responding to situations, leading to improved emotional well-being.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
If you're struggling with obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors that significantly impact your life, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can be a powerful tool for change. ERP is a proven technique that helps you gradually confront your fears and anxieties in a safe, controlled environment. By learning to tolerate discomfort and resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors, you can break free from the cycle of obsessive thoughts and regain control over your life. Together, we'll develop a personalized ERP plan that addresses your specific concerns and empowers you to live a more fulfilling life.
Location
Virtual sessions