HI! My name is Kay Pickering and I specialize in treating young adults who hold or are exploring Queer, Trans, and Neurodivergent identities. I utilize a narrative framework to gain a deep understanding of your unique journey and the stories that have formed along the way. I bring knowledge about neuro-, gender-, sexuality-, and relational- diversity to support you in exploring your identities and embracing your authentic self. I couple this exploration with teaching skills such as mindfulness, harm reduction, thought challenging, and radical acceptance to help you cope with life stressors, trauma, and other challenges.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I believe that a therapy relationship should be as equal as possible, so I will take some time during our first session to introduce myself, share a bit of my background and identities, and explain my therapeutic style. This is to help you decide if I am a good match for your needs and to help you feel a little more comfortable sharing about yourself! From there, I will ask you a bit more about what brings you into therapy and what you are hoping to gain from our time together. This will help me identify if my services are a good fit for your goals and support us in beginning to build a plan for therapy together. During our next few sessions we will be able to go a little further into your history, goals, and current challenges, so don't worry this first session will be more of an overview than a deep dive!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In the therapy room, I have been described as warm, curious, and supportive. I meet clients with openness and collaboration; I believe you are the expert in your own story and I am here as a support and guide to help you grow and achieve your goals. I frequently draw on my own lived experiences as a late diagnosed AuDHD, queer, and agender person and believe one of my greatest strengths is being able to authentically share my own experiences, when appropriate, to connect with and validate your own.
About Kay Pickering
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Narrative
I utilize narrative therapy techniques to gain a deep understanding of my client's experiences, internal beliefs, values, and desired changes. I gently support my clients in shifting their narratives to better serve them where they are now.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I frequently utilize values exploration and support client's in using their values to help make decisions, improve life satisfaction, and navigate difficult times. I use principles of radical acceptance to support clients in building self-esteem, navigating challenges, and decreasing stress and anxiety.
Gender-affirming therapy
I provide therapy that is fully affirming of you and your gender identity, no matter where you are in your gender identity/expression journey. I have over 4 years of experience supporting trans clients in my clinical practice, in addition to years of schooling focused on LGBTQ+ therapy work.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I utilize mindfulness-based techniques to support clients in decreasing anxiety, improving mood, grounding and regulating, and building self-compassion.