About Katie 

It is normal to have questions and concerns about the counselor you are hoping to work with.  In fact it is important to ask questions.  Research shows that the feeling of "fit" or "connection" with a therapist can be one of the most important factors of therapy.  I hope I can help reduce some of those fears and answer some of your questions by sharing a bit about my education, skills and my personal journey.

Professional Bio
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in the state of North Carolina.  I am a graduate in the early stages of my counseling career.   The state requires that I am under supervision for a few years.  My supervisor is Mitchell Durham, a fellow Christian Psychologist with over 20 years of experience.   

I hold an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Western Carolina University, a Bible certificate from Columbia International University as well as a master’s degree in professional counseling from Richmont Graduate University.  Before becoming a counselor I had a variety of work experiences. I was a WCU college minister, a teacher’s aid at Cowee in Franklin and a barista at Starbucks, just to name a few!

Currently I see adults that struggle with relationship issues and coping skills, especially related to anxiety, self-worth, depression and life transitions.  While at Richmont I took many courses on the integration of spirituality and focused on understanding a dynamic, cognitive-behavioral approach to change, hope and health through a Christian worldview.

Life experience
I am married to a local Franklin guy and have two rambunctious kids.  My journey has been marked with times of both wandering and times of resting in God.  For most of my twenties I wrestled with God about the enormous amount of pain and brokeness in the world, in the church, and in families.  I wondered, "What does God think about all the suffering and what is He doing?"  God has been patient and gentle with me. As a human I know what it is like to struggle and be discouraged.  As an image bearer of God I know what it's like to believe I was made for more but not know what more meant.  In my thirties I have not experienced less pain, only more, but God has given me abundant peace in the knowledge of His steadfast love and his kindness.