Get To Know Me

Meet Kate (she/her)

Owner/Lead Therapist + Coach

A Little About Me

I'm a type-A, recovering perfectionist, dog mom who gets hyperfocused on hobbies and reading romantasy books. SWELL is an ode to being a new surfer, wannabe mermaid, and full time mental health nerd.

I popped out of the womb anxious and feel big feelings. I see being a highly sensitive person (HSP) as a superpower, but didn't always—life is tough for empaths in a loud, fast world! My experience learning how to manage HSP life, childhood trauma, and eating disorder recovery is part of what I bring to the table as your therapist.

My experience will be different from yours, but you can guarantee I’m here to partner with you and share the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. You bring your life expertise. I’ll add a dash of therapy know-how. And we’ll be copilots on your road to feeling SWELL.

You’re Looking For Support

If you're here, you're probably looking for counseling services. On the outside, you might look like you're keeping it together. No one would know that you're a bundle of nerves on the inside, constantly battling:

Self-hatred and guilt

Obsessive thoughts and worries

A cloud of anxiety looming over most days

Past trauma

Eating disorder struggles

Body image concerns

Burnout

Why I Get It

Asking for help is hard. I know because I've been in your seat, scouring the internet for a counselor because I want my life to feel different.

From my own experience (which will be different from yours), I know it's possible to:

  • Ditch negative self-talk

  • Channel your fears and perfectionism productively

  • Stop keeping yourself small through self-criticism

I've got a good road map of strategies to help people get to the root of what's holding them back. Because I've been there, I know how to call out the bullshit that might keep you from being really honest with yourself. You've got to be the one to make the changes, but I'm not afraid to jump in and navigate the mess with you.

Who I Work With

My clients are people who:

  • Are tired of trying to be perfect and liked by everyone

  • Want more out of life than a smaller jeans size

  • Are sick of feeling tense and tired

  • Want to look in the mirror and feel confident—not just about appearance, but about all the inner work they did to get there

  • Are ready to live with more integrity

I love working with highly sensitive, motivated, curious women who are ready to:

  • Heal old wounds

  • Ditch their eating disorder

  • Get their life back

We've got so many tools to help you create lasting change. You don't have to be stuck in the mess forever. There is hope!

Ready to Get Started?

If this sounds like you, go ahead and give me a call.

Professional Credentials + Training

  • MS/EdS

    I graduated with two Master's degrees: my Master’s in Counseling and Specialist in Education from UNC-Greensboro. Since graduating, I’ve spent the past 12 years as a counselor for people in all ages and stages of life.

  • LCMHC-S

    I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Supervisor in North Carolina. I’m also licensed in South Carolina and Virginia. My private practice started in 2017. Prior to that, I worked in schools, agencies, and hospice.

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)

    This is a specialization in trauma and nervous system healing. I received my SEP after 3 years of training and hundreds of hours of practice and supervision.

  • Level 2 EMDR trained

    EMDR is useful for healing past trauma, anxiety, and negative beliefs.

  • TF-CBT + Grief Therapy

    My background as a hospice grief counselor involved additional training in trauma-focused CBT and special skills to help you move through grief.

  • Intuitive Eating Certified Counselor

    I trained with one of the original Intuitive Eating Pros, Evelyn Tribole. I help people find their way back to intuitive, free eating patterns.

Still deliberating?

Finding a good-fit therapist is one of the most important keys to healing. It’s OK to want more than a website introduction!

I offer a FREE 20 minute video call so we can get to know each other and take it from there.

I believe that all bodies are good bodies regardless of size, color, shape, sexual orientation, gender identification, ability, status, or access.

I will do my best to provide compassionate care that meets you and your body’s story where it is to help you find the healing you need. That said, I don’t prescribe diets and am firmly rooted in a Health at Every Size approach.