Kathleen Woolum
Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults navigating life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family concerns, and other mental health challenges. I have a particular heart for working with women and families and believe therapy is most meaningful when it feels like a genuine, supportive human connection. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where you can feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself. I’ll meet you where you are, without judgment, and work collaboratively with you to better understand your experiences, build on your strengths, and move toward the life you want.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin creating a comfortable, trusting therapeutic relationship. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you hope to get out of our work together. I’ll also ask questions about your background and experiences so I can better understand the bigger picture. You don’t need to come in with everything figured out or know exactly what to say. My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and more comfortable with the therapy process. We’ll begin identifying what you’d like to work toward and create a starting point for individualized goals that we can build on together.
Strengths
I bring warmth, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand the person behind the concerns they’re bringing to therapy. I strive to create a space where you can be honest and open without feeling judged, pressured, or like you have to have everything figured out. My approach is collaborative and individualized. I don’t believe therapy should be one-size-fits-all, so I take the time to understand your experiences, needs, strengths, and goals and work alongside you to find an approach that feels right for you. I also value creating a strong therapeutic relationship, because I believe feeling safe, heard, and understood is an important part of meaningful change.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready for support, even if they’re not quite sure where to begin. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, disconnected, or simply tired of trying to navigate everything on your own. You may be working through past experiences or trauma, struggling with depression or anxiety, navigating relationships or family dynamics, or going through a season of change. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are open to exploring their experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, and working toward meaningful change. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what you need from therapy. If you’re willing to show up as you are and take the process one step at a time, we can figure out the rest together.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to distress and work toward developing more balanced ways of thinking and responding. I may also use CBT strategies to help clients build coping skills, manage anxiety or depression, and approach challenging situations with greater confidence.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than feeling like they have to eliminate or control them. We work on identifying what matters most to the client and finding ways to take meaningful, values-based action even when life feels difficult. ACT can be especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed by their thoughts, or disconnected from the life they want to be living.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients better understand and manage intense emotions, navigate difficult situations, and strengthen their relationships. Depending on a client’s needs, we may focus on skills related to emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, or interpersonal effectiveness. My goal is to help clients feel more equipped to respond to challenges rather than feeling controlled by their emotions.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore the different parts of themselves that may show up in response to life experiences, stress, or past wounds. Rather than judging or trying to get rid of these parts, we work toward understanding what they may be trying to protect and what they need. This approach can help clients develop greater self-compassion, insight, and a deeper understanding of their emotions and patterns.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore their own reasons for change in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I help them identify their values, strengths, and personal motivations while working through any uncertainty or ambivalence they may be experiencing. This approach allows clients to feel empowered and supported as they make changes that are meaningful to them.
Location
Virtual sessions