You may be wondering…

 

What should I expect in my first therapy session?

Before we meet, you’ll have completed an Intake form, asking about your background. We will begin by discussing what you reply so that I can get to know you and what you’d like to get out of our work together. You are welcome to ask questions at any point, especially if you feel uneasy or unsure about the process. For example, it helps me to jot notes in session (especially the first session). This helps me to remember things that you say. It is nice when clients ask me what I am writing-if they feel uneasy about it. Everything that happens in our sessions is intended to help you in some way, so if you aren’t sure, just ask!

 

What if I don’t know what my goals for therapy are?

People who seek therapy with me come for a variety of reasons. Some have come in because they realize there are aspects of their life that need to change. Some have come in because they are troubled, even exhausted by a loved one’s mental health struggles.

Others have come in because their relationship with food is troubling to someone else, or because they think about food more often than they’d like to think about food. Some have come in because they can’t stand the size or shape of their body and don’t know what else to do about it.

And some have come in unclear on exactly why they know they need to get started with therapy. There is plenty that I’m interested in getting to know about my clients that a specific goal isn’t a requirement to get started. Goals often change and shift anyway, and we will continue to check-in on how you are feeling about the process and your progress.

 

Can we meet in-office?

Office sessions are highly encouraged. Our office is just east of Mopac at Bee Caves, two minutes southwest of downtown Austin.

 

Do we have to meet in-office?

I have provided online therapy for my clients since 2012 and continue to marvel at what a different experience it is from meeting in-person. When you’d prefer to occasionally meet online, a Google Meet link will be sent for your video therapy session.

Though telehealth appointments provide convenience, much is lost by not sharing space together. For this reason, I ask that you supplement online work with in-office visits. If this is not possible for you, at this time, exclusively online clients are not being accepted. If you are seeking online therapy, TherapyDen is the recommended search tool. Residents of Texas can legally and ethically work with a therapist located anywhere, who is licensed in the state of Texas.

 

Does Gates Therapy accept insurance?

No. Some of the reasons that insurance is not an additional barrier with us are outlined here.

 

I want couples’ therapy, but my partner isn’t willing to join me. Can I still come in?

What is fascinating about relationships is how much a change in one person creates a shift in the whole relationship. I have worked with many people who are exasperated with a partner. These clients have been surprised that they can do things differently that will have a major impact on the relationship.

Along with that, when I work with an individual, I find it incredibly valuable for them to bring in a partner, sibling, or parent. This aids in the individual’s work. The more input I can get about your life, the better work we can do. It doesn’t necessarily have to be “couples’ therapy” for me to request that I see someone else in your inner circle. Sometimes, knowing this is how I work can soften a parent or partner who has seen too many TV shows with someone drug to counseling just to get blamed for someone else’s problems. This isn’t how good therapy actually works, and it is quite damaging that this stereotype exists.

 

What clinical theories does Kathryn use in her work with clients?

I practice from a Bowen Family Systems perspective and the Enneagram helps me understand my clients. I use techniques from DBT, CBT, ACT, Imago, and Narrative Theory. As a Systems-Thinker, I am interested in the effect of a person’s environment and community. The spiritual connection with one’s physical body impacts who and how you are. Physiology and the role of neurochemicals and hormones also informs my understanding of human behavior and mood. As a strong advocate for group therapy, I agree with Bessel Van Der Kolk that

Humans are social animals, and mental problems involve not being able to get along with other people, not fitting in, not belonging, and in general not being able to get on the same wavelength.

 

What does all that mean?

Give me a call to discuss!