Kait Schlesinger
I'm a licensed clinical social worker who helps women navigate relationships, life transitions, and the messy process of figuring themselves out.
You are already worthy of the life you want, even if you're still figuring out what that life looks like.
I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up as you are, speak freely, explore what feels stuck, and work toward a life that feels authentically yours.
First session
Our first session is really about getting to know one another! Think of it as laying the foundation for our work together rather than jumping straight into the "meat and potatoes" of therapy. I'll ask questions about your background, relationships, personal history, current challenges, and what brought you to therapy. Some questions may feel more relevant than others, but they're all part of helping me understand the bigger picture of who you are and what you've experienced. We'll also talk about what you're hoping to get out of therapy, what has or hasn't worked for you in the past, and any questions or concerns you may have about the process. There's no pressure to tell me your entire life story in one sitting, and you don't need to have the perfect words to explain what you're feeling. My goal is for you to leave our first session feeling heard, comfortable, and a little more familiar with what working together might look like.
Strengths
I'm compassionate, but I'm also honest. I'll meet you with empathy, curiosity, and a little humor when appropriate. I believe in looking beyond surface-level concerns, connecting the dots, and helping you challenge patterns that may no longer serve you.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is a woman who may appear to have everything together on the outside but feels overwhelmed, uncertain, or unfulfilled beneath the surface. Maybe you're navigating a difficult relationship, struggling to establish boundaries, questioning your self-worth, or finding yourself repeating patterns you don't quite understand. Perhaps you're going through a major life transition, or you've simply reached a point where you recognize that something needs to change, even if you're not entirely sure what that looks like yet. You don't need to have all the answers or even know exactly what you want from therapy. What matters most is a willingness to be curious about yourself, reflect on your experiences, and explore new perspectives. I particularly enjoy working with women who want to understand the "why" behind their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, rather than simply learning how to manage them. Whether your goal is to build confidence, develop healthier relationships, strengthen your sense of identity, or simply feel more at peace with yourself, we'll work together to figure out what meaningful growth looks like for you.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
I use attachment-based therapy to help clients understand how early relationships, significant experiences, and emotional connections may influence the way they view themselves and relate to others today. Together, we'll explore patterns involving trust, boundaries, fear of rejection, emotional intimacy, and relationship dynamics. Rather than viewing these responses as flaws, we'll consider how they may have developed as ways of protecting yourself or navigating difficult experiences. I approach this work through a trauma-informed lens, prioritizing emotional safety, collaboration, and your sense of control throughout the process. My goal is to help you understand where certain patterns originated, recognize which ones may no longer serve you, and develop a greater sense of emotional security, self-trust, and connection in your relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. Sometimes we develop ways of thinking that feel so automatic we don't even realize how much they're shaping our experiences. Together, we'll explore patterns such as overthinking, self-criticism, catastrophizing, or assuming the worst, and examine whether those thoughts are accurate, helpful, or keeping you stuck. Rather than simply encouraging you to "think positively," I'll help you develop a more balanced and compassionate perspective. We may also work on practical strategies for managing anxiety, navigating challenging situations, and responding differently to stressors. My goal is to help you become more aware of your thought patterns and feel empowered to make intentional changes in your everyday life.
Compassion-Focused
I incorporate Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients develop a kinder, more understanding relationship with themselves, particularly when self-criticism, shame, or feelings of inadequacy have become familiar patterns. Many of us are far more compassionate toward the people we care about than we are toward ourselves. Together, we'll explore where that inner critic comes from, what it may be trying to protect you from, and how to respond to difficult emotions without adding another layer of judgment. This doesn't mean ignoring mistakes, avoiding accountability, or pretending everything is okay. Instead, we'll work toward developing a sense of self-compassion that allows you to acknowledge your struggles, recognize your humanity, and approach personal growth from a place of understanding rather than punishment.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients navigate intense emotions, improve communication, and develop healthier ways of responding to challenging situations. One of the things I appreciate most about DBT is its emphasis on two ideas that can coexist: you can accept yourself and your experiences as they are while also recognizing that certain things may need to change. Depending on your needs, we may explore mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This might look like learning how to manage overwhelming feelings without reacting impulsively, communicating your needs more effectively, setting boundaries, or navigating conflict without losing sight of yourself. My goal is to help you build practical skills that feel realistic and sustainable, rather than expecting you to respond perfectly to every difficult situation.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I believe you're the expert on your own life, even during moments when you feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself. My person-centered approach emphasizes empathy, authenticity, collaboration, and creating a space where you can explore your experiences without fear of judgment. I also incorporate a strengths-based perspective, meaning we'll spend time recognizing your resilience, capabilities, and the personal resources you may have overlooked. Therapy isn't just about identifying what's wrong; it's also about understanding what's already working and building upon it. I'll offer honest observations, thoughtful questions, and gentle challenges when I believe they could support your growth. Ultimately, my goal is to help you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and develop the confidence to make choices that feel authentic and meaningful to you.
Location
Virtual sessions