Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist, providing individual and couples therapy to adults (21+). My style is warm, respectful, empathic, and validating. For 6+ years, I worked at several VAs, with year-long specialty trainings in prolonged exposure for PTSD (PE-PTSD), cognitive processing therapy for PTSD (CPT-PTSD), and comprehensive/full-model dialectical behavior therapy (DBT and DBT-PE). During my time in the VA, I was honored with the Outstanding Early Career Achievement award, served as a MHC group psychotherapy coordinator, and was a comprehensive DBT team member at two VAs. I am in the process of being trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and will be offering that soon.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first appointment, I will ask you questions to better understand what is bringing you to therapy and what you want out of therapy (i.e., your goals). I'll encourage you, as I do with all my clients, to discuss only what you're ready to discuss. I might ask why you don't want to discuss a certain topic, but only so I can understand. I also want my clients to know that I consider trust something to be built and grown over time, but respect will be present right from the start.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
While I am proud of the positive outcomes my clients have from therapy, I am most proud of the relationships we build. Many clients have told me that I feel like a close friend, albeit one who helps them do difficult things and is pretty funny (okay, okay, maybe some leave out that last part about me being funny). Jokes aside, I consider this career to be my calling and I am honored to be a clinical psychologist. I look forward to each day, whether we are doing a difficult trauma session, problem-solving depression and anxiety, strategizing family gatherings, or simply rating cats (my rescue Tabby, Chase, is a clear 10/10- I am confident you will agree).
About Dr. Kate Wilsey
Dr. Kate Wilsey offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have been specifically trained in ACT for depression, PTSD, and social support. I was trained as an ACT therapist in a federally-funded study. However, I also use ACT as a framework to approach appointments as my clients and I view its flexibility, focus on values, and mutual respect to be helpful.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I was trained in CPT-PTSD during my time working with Veterans and service members. I had a year of training specifically in CPT that included weekly reviews and case presentations as well as taping appointments so that my supervisors could give feedback on my provision of CPT. Since then, I have worked with Veterans and Service Members providing CPT.
Couples Counseling
I use integrative behavioral couples therapy (IBCT) when working with couples to enhance both acceptance and change processes. I have expertise in working with couples who have experienced trauma, are neurodivergent, and/or who are LGBTQIA+.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have several years of intensive, comprehensive DBT training, working with Veterans and Service members. This includes trainings in DBT-PE, DBT skills group, and comprehensive/full-model DBT. I have had two year-long trainings with 1:1 supervision and consultation providing high-caliber DBT.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
I have been trained in both PE and DBT-PE. I tend to use the DBT-PE model for many reasons, but primarily because of the humanity, respect, and warmth it brings to PE, especially when addressing complex trauma/PTSD.