Meet Katie, Brave Grand Rapids Counselor and Former Rap Artist
Katie has a history of helping people navigate through life's ups and downs with compassion and empathy. She believes that counseling is a journey and aims to serve as a guide along that journey by creating a space for open and honest conversations.
A firm believer that everyone has a unique story to tell, Katie meets people where they’re at while also empowering them to explore where they want to be and the tools to get there.
She has experience with groups, family, and individual counseling with a focus on anxiety, relationships, transitions, parenting, and recognizing and addressing barriers.
We sat down with Katie to get to know her better and her passion for helping people live fuller, more confident lives.
WHAT LED YOU TO A CAREER IN COUNSELING?
I am a curious person by nature, always wanting to get to the root of an issue and understand the why behind human thinking and behavior, so Psychology was a natural draw for me.
In college, I was never shy when it came to asking questions. I wanted to go beyond basic textbook knowledge and really understand how behaviors, relationships, emotions, desires, and experiences impact and influence our daily lives.
I believe it was this curiosity mixed with my own personal experience that gave me the desire to pursue counseling. Seeing the change that counseling was able to elicit in my own life, gave me the desire to help others in a similar way.
WHAT ARE SOME AREAS THAT INTEREST YOU WITHIN THE WORK YOU DO?
I have a love of learning, so I am always interested in growing in my knowledge and understanding of the human mind. A few of the areas that I find myself particularly drawn to, however, include anxiety, depression, transitions, parenting, behavior, pregnancy and postpartum, relationships, boundaries, barriers, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Empowering others to find their voice and gain the courage and confidence to live fully and authentically. I believe in encouraging people to be who they are while exploring who they want to be.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CLIENTS (OR SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING COUNSELING) TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I want them to know that I will create a safe, non-judgmental space for them to be themselves and tell their story. And while I might not have all the answers, I will walk alongside them in their journey to healing and wholeness.
WHAT DOES SELF-CARE MEAN TO YOU? HOW DO YOU PRACTICE THIS IN YOUR OWN LIFE?
Self-care is a multifaceted approach to making yourself a priority. It's advocating for yourself, taking time for yourself, and listening to what your mind and body are trying to tell you.
One of the ways I’ve learned to care for myself is by setting boundaries. While at the beginning it was difficult, over time I came to learn what healthy boundaries are, why they matter, and how to communicate those boundaries to others without feeling selfish or guilty.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE BRAVE?
Being brave is being vulnerable. It's being raw and honest with yourself. It's trying new things. It's being real and authentic. It's saying your truth even if your voice is shaking.
WHAT HAS BEING A COUNSELOR TAUGHT YOU?
Throughout my education and career, I have learned how extensive the mind-body connection is. The body can hold score for emotions, experiences, trauma, stress, and other things. That’s why I believe so strongly that we should take mental health as seriously as we take our physical health.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
The best advice I’ve ever received is that it's okay to be different. There may be people who don’t understand you or don’t appreciate certain things about your personality, and that’s ok. You don’t have to change yourself for others.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR CAREER?
Spending time with family and friends is very important to me. I also enjoy traveling, getting outside into nature, baking, watching certain shows, hanging out with my dog, and anything that allows me to get creative.
I have recently discovered a lot of enjoyment in hiking as it gives me a physical outlet, a chance to explore new places, and a way to connect with others.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I'm always dreaming about places I’d like to explore. I would love to travel internationally to places like Greece, Rome, or Australia, but I also want to experience more of our own beautiful country- from the mountains of Colorado to the deserts of Arizona, and everything in between.
I will also always have a special place in my heart for Hawaii. I’ve never felt so whole and connected to a place. It’s also where I discovered my enjoyment of hiking and appreciation for nature in all its beauty.
WHAT IS AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU?
Several years ago a friend and I were walking outside a store in New York City when we were asked to rap part of a song for a TV show. We were nervous and a bit embarrassed but we did it anyway. I consider that one of my braver moments, a time where I was willing to step outside of my comfort zone, and was better for it.
Also, whether luck or skill, I used to win a lot of radio call-in contests.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING COUNSELING?
Going to counseling doesn't mean that you are weak. In fact, being vulnerable is incredibly brave.
Also, it’s okay to try more than one counselor until you find the right fit. The connection between counselor and client is important, and you want to make sure you feel comfortable and can be yourself. I promise it's not offensive if you ask to try a different counselor.
To schedule an appointment with Katie or one of our other licensed counselors, click the link below.
