Katherine van Heerden
I have been a licensed clinician for over 7 years in CA. I have worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, detoxes, inpatient/residential, outpatient, and middle schools. I am certified in DBT and trained in EMDR. I help clients identify their underlying issues then identify healthy copings to implement to decrease symptoms.
I am understanding of mental health issues not just because of my education, but my own struggles.
Clients tend to come to therapy when in need of immediate solution. Therapy for me is a collaborative experience in which the client and I work together to help contain any crisis, while identifying long term goals.
First session
My goal for the initial session is to get to know the significant life events that have caused someone to seek professional help. My goal is to ask questions in order to understand specifically what a client needs. My goal is not to focus on diagnosing, but learn about the symptoms and issues that are most detrimental.
Strengths
I am understanding of mental health issues not just because of my education, but my own struggles. I do not have any judgment towards anyone's life decisions, understanding that we are all doing the best we can at the time we can.
Ideal clients
I am best to serve those that struggle with past trauma, symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I work with ages 10-65+ with a variety of issues, focusing on symptom decrease and management. I am well versed in working with eating disorders, ASDs, ADHD, and co-parenting. I enjoy helping parents navigate the difficulties of having children while managing their own mental health.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I am a certified DBT therapist. I use DBT in order to help people increase their emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills. I also use it to help them in interpersonal and romantic relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help client understand their thoughts that affect them negatively. I use CBT in order to help clients understand how their negative core beliefs shape and alter their reality.
Trauma-Informed Care
I am trained in EMDR and use trauma informed care in order to validate a client's experience and help them use their strengths and sense of resiliency to process trauma.
Location
Virtual sessions