My Story and My Why
As a kid, I lived (what I’ve learned was) an atypical childhood. Who knew? I grew up all over the country, which as a kid felt hard, but I now believe was a gift. I learned and experienced different cultures throughout the United States, created and sustained friendships with people of different origins and identities. As a therapist, I credit myself with an ability to build authentic relationships with all of my clients, which in large part is a token of my upbringing. I see parts of myself in almost everyone who walks through my door.
Later, by the time I entered college (Go Buffs!), I envisioned a future as a diplomat or politician (yikes, I know!). I studied International Relations and spent a semester in Switzerland studying Peace and Justice. I wanted to use my ability to genuinely foster relationships as a springboard to impact the world in the most idealistic ways. Honestly, in my early twenties, I wanted to change the world in the biggest way possible. What can I say? I had big dreams!
After my semester abroad, I felt a bit disoriented. I had the incredible opportunity to meet many folks doing the international work I dreamed of, and turns out, it was not what I expected. What I did feel deeply was the impact of the relationships I developed abroad, the importance of conversing with people in personal and intimate ways, hearing their stories, knowing their reasons, and holding spaces in which they felt comfortable. Beyond all else, this was most meaningful.
At 22, I drove my Saturn SL2 with a canoe on top from Colorado to Boston (that wind through Nebraska, y’all!). I worked for an international NGO, Wide Horizons for Children, that continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families around the world. I witnessed social work in action, and decided without looking back that it was the path for me. I can say without hesitation that I felt destined to do this work.
I returned to my hometown of New Orleans, with my dog Lucky in tow, to attend graduate school at Tulane University. Even entering graduate school, I still maintained a vision of creating positive change at the high levels. It wasn’t until I was embedded in my internship at Children’s Bureau of New Orleans, and spoken to by the legendary Ms. Ada after a case consultation on a Friday morning, that I began to believe there were other plans in store for me. Ms. Ada approached me as I was erasing my client’s genogram on the whiteboard, and she very-intently and not-so-delicately said to me, “Katie, you’re good at this work. I hope you always do this work.” She then turned and walked away. At the time, I didn’t know her words would be a guidepost for me, but looking back, I now understand her statement as pivotal.
Since graduate school, I have been given the gift of working with many populations in many different settings. Each opportunity has shaped me, helped me hone my craft, and guided me to exactly this place as an EMDR Certified Therapist. Lucky me, to spend my days in the company of my clients, guiding them in healing through their own stories of hurt and pain.
A client recently paused our session before closure, stating that they had something to say. They went on to tell me, “Katie, I want you to know you haven’t just changed my life. You’ve changed the life of my children. You’ve changed my family’s life.” And there I sat, absorbing this information, and realizing that my why, my desire to change the world at large had come full circle: it was right here. Healing trauma, intergenerational wounds, creates ripples of peace that I hope beyond hope spread very far and very wide.
Hope to see you,
Katie
