Katherine Jones
Hello, I am an LMFT who works to create an empathic and validating space to set the foundation for clients to express the struggles they are enduring. I am interested in working in a strengths-based way guiding clients to find the answers they need to heal and move forward. I work with the LGBTQQIPA+ individuals, partners and allies who are between the ages of 20-50. I offer specialties in ADHD, Anxiety, Stress, Bi-Polar Disorder, Identity Exploration, Relationship Challenges and those in the midst of Life Transitions. I work with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Mindful Self-Compassion and Strengths-based therapy to navigate with my client as they take the reins in processing material and learning to cope. I believe in consent-based therapy with open lines of communication. This means that I I want the client to always be in choice when it comes to interventions, practice, treatment goals and beginning, pausing or ending treatment. Also, I am very open to hearing when an insight may or may not resonate. We work collaboratively in order to find what best supports you.
First session
The first session will be an assessment session in which I get a fuller picture of your reason for coming to therapy and the cliff notes on your background so that the second session we can ease right into getting to know eachother. We will also be determining if the skills I have to offer match your needs and preferences.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is to offer structured therapy as well as processing in order to find what fits for the client best. I know how important it is to take clients at their word with validation and reassurance, challenging only when the therapeutic alliance and rapport have been completely established. I want you to know that I trust you, and that you trust me, before I challenge you. Then I am able to offer both support and challenge. Working on the relationship between myself and my clients is very important to me even as I am teaching DBT skills or leading the client through the 8 phases of EMDR.
Ideal clients
I am happy to work with clients from the LGBTQPIA+ communities as well as alternative communities such as the poly or kink communities. I am always excited to work with highly creative persons and those making their way through this world to the beat of their own drum. Offering respectful acceptance and focus on the work at hand and allowing for the spirit that makes each of us a little different and the world a little more colorful.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a way of teaching coping through skill-based learning. Learning skills in the categories of mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and Interpersonal communication. So we would go over the skill in session and practice together and then you would practice on your own during the week and then we would go over how that worked, or didn't work for you, during the week and if it will be effective. DBT is usually part of the session, not the entire session so there would be some processing first and then a skill applied to bolster the place where you need the most support
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
We may be working with concepts of mindfulness and self-compassion such as naming and facing the feelings (being mindful), remembering that your feelings are valid and shared by others and applying compassion to the parts of you that experience anxiety, grief, low self-worth, shame etc. Self-esteem is there for you when you win but self-compassion is there for you wether you win or lose. People who practice mindfulness and self-compassion are more likely to meet their goals than those who beat themselves up and spur themselves on with shame-based thoughts.
EMDR
This is how I, as a clinician, work with trauma. EMDR utilizes what is known as bi-lateral stimulation (BLS). With crossed arms and alternating tapping we override working memory, to go deeper, and allow memories to coalesce from different portions of the brain. Memories fade further and further away until they are no longer activating or triggering. This can take 1 session or up to a year. I make sure to spend 10-15 minutes with what is known as 'resourcing' a different speed of tapping while considering things that sooth and empower you. I do this to assist you in feeling balanced once you leave the therapy session.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Other specialties
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 101546