Katie is currently a clinical associate professor and clinical training director at The Family Institute at Counseling@Northwestern. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and a master’s degree in counseling both from Northern Illinois University as well as a BA in psychology from Roosevelt University. She is a licensed counselor, nationally certified counselor, an approved clinical supervisor, and holds a professional educator license in school counseling. Prior to coming to higher education, she worked as a school counselor, community mental health counselor, and home-based mental health clinician. She is also the co-founder/owner of Blooming Life Institute, LLC.
She is a co-author of the book, Reconceptualizing Grief: Developmental Considerations for Counseling Clients Experiencing Loss. She is also currently working on several manuscripts that share ways to incorporate the Transcending Model of Grief and Loss (TMGL) with non-death losses. Additionally, she has authored or co-authored 10 peer reviewed articles and eight book chapters in professional publications. She is an award-winning teacher, and has also delivered over 65 presentations at conferences, seminars, trainings, and workshops at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. She was the recipient of the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award, a national award granted by the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. She was also the recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award at The Family Institute. Additionally, she received the 2016 School Counselor Educator of the Year Award from Illinois School Counseling Association and the 2015 Outstanding Woman Student Award from Northern Illinois University.
Katie approaches counseling from a wellness perspective, and believes people function on continuum of health versus having deficits or illness. She helps people gain control over their emotions and relationships and believes everyone is on a healing journey towards growth. She believes people reach their highest potential when they feel connected and find themselves able to be vulnerable in a safe space. Together, this space is co-created where Katie is a collaborator and facilitator of growth in the journey. The primary scope of Katie’s work includes teaching people strength identification, communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution. She helps children, adults, and couples who are challenged with the pace of life and complexity of relationships. She provides a warm and relaxed space where you can explore your true values, desires, and address what is challenging you. Together, you’ll explore how to evolve into a life that is both peaceful and exciting. Katie understands people from a holistic perspective and often discusses the powerful mind-body connection. She believes behavior is purpose driven and often impacted by early experiences and the ways in which we came to understand the world around us, as well as familial relationships, and internal struggles. Additionally, she is present-focused, exploring individuals’ current thought, behavior, and feeling patterns, while maintaining a strengths-based focus. The change process is powerful, yet takes time. It consists of gaining insight through self reflection, while simultaneously action oriented and explores new ways to live your life in a healthy manner that connects and taps into the resourceful parts of your personality and values.
Contact
412-770-8470
Teletherapy only in Illinois
