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Katy Gustafson

Katy GustafsonKaty GustafsonKaty Gustafson

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Katy Gustafson

Katy GustafsonKaty GustafsonKaty Gustafson

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Welcome

Where ever you are, you're most welcome here. In my experience, difficult roads often lead to beautiful places. By engaging your mind, body, and soul in authentic exploration, skill building, and compassion, life can truly become joyful.

License

Mental Health Specialties

Education

2022 

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, (LCPC) approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselor and Therapists


2019

Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, (LGPC) approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

Education

Mental Health Specialties

Education

2018

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Divine Mercy University in Arlington, Virginia


2015

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Doane University in Crete, Nebraska

Mental Health Specialties

Mental Health Specialties

Mental Health Specialties

Anxiety & OCD

Depression & Bipolar

Self Esteem

Interpersonal issues & Relationships

Family Wounds / Conflict

Communication Skills

Trauma / PTSD

ADHD & Executive Function

Spirituality & Christian Faith 

Care givers / helpers

Adults & Young adults 

College Students 

Adolescents

Where I work

Mental Health Specialties

Mental Health Specialties

I am independently contracted with The Couple and Family Clinic (CFC), located in Bethesda, MD. Currently, I  provide both in-person and online therapy services to adolescents, college students, adults, individuals, as well as pre-marital therapy to engaged couples.

CFC Website

My Practice Philosophy

How We Experience Life Matters

I believe that everyone should be able to live life joyfully! Being able to have joy and delight in yourself, relationships, and family life is a beautiful and intimate thing. To me "joyfulness" captures the feeling of freedom that happens when we begin to experience life differently, when there is a turning point and we begin to have hopeful disposition. Over the years I have gone through my own healing process and have held on to that inner experience of space, freedom, and the power of choice in life, which has been so meaningful. I've learned that self care is more than doing something out of habit. Taking care of ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give to honor our own person-hood. And this is exactly what I want others to learn in therapy! When it comes to mental health, my top three values are: compassion, courage and joy. Compassion is necessary to look at the broken and sometimes messy places within us. We must enter those parts with authentic love, gentleness, and mercy. Exercising courage is a wonderful act where we face our fears despite feeling scared in order to find something more. Lastly, joy is felt when we are truly able to delight in life, with laughter, happiness, and a free unencumbered spirit.

My Approach to Therapy

I believe finding the right fit is key when starting therapy. Being able to connect on a personal level enables us to develop trust to enter those difficult places. Having someone walk with you during hard times can be healing. Therapeutically, I've been told I'm soft and gentle but subtly challenging and affirming of client's experiences. I'm not afraid to celebrate the little successes that happen in your life; While I also find it important to acknowledge and thank our old ways of dealing with the past. Professionally, I use an integrative approach to therapy. I work with clients based on their needs and present concerns. Generally, I conceptualize from a relational, attachment, and family systems perspective. I tend to use interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and various skill training models. For example, assertive communication, healthy boundaries, executive function training and mindfulness.

Mind, Body & Soul Connection

The mind, body and soul are not separate parts within us. I believe people are sensual, physical, and spiritual. Our brain, thoughts, and cognition's affect the physical body; and both the body and mind are connected to the soul. In therapy I acknowledge and respect these factors and use each lens (mind, body, and soul) to understand your approach to life. I am a Catholic-Christian and enjoy working with others of similar faith. As a mental health counselor, I work with individuals of all religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds and am respectful and curious about my client's unqiue belief systems.

My Mental Health Interests

My interests revolve around understanding an individual's family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and their unique upbringing. I enjoy working with several mental health issues, but am especially fond of treating issues relating to trauma, anxiety, boundaries and communication, attachment, vulnerability, and intimacy. I also find the practice of mindfulness to be empowering for self-awareness and managing tough emotions or bodily sensations. I use mindful curiosity in my approach and I teach mindful skills and exercises to my clients.

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.


Brené Brown

Types of Issues I Work with

Depression, Anxiety & Mood Disorders

Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience. Depression and anxiety are not only expressed through emotions, but can also be experienced in our physical bodies. Through counseling and treatment, you can recover motivation, energy, and perspective to live your fullest life.


Trauma & PTSD

Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Fear, panic, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger with post traumatic events. We can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing. 

Relationships, Boundaries & Communication

Relationship counseling can be beneficial to couples and family members who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection and communication in all stages of their lives. Therapy sessions are held with all members to discuss issues and solutions to better strengthen relationships.     

ADHD & Executive Function Issues

Dealing with ADHD and executive function symptoms can be exhausting and annoying. Our world and culture runs on efficiency and when we fail to meet life's demands negative emotions can bubble up inside of us. Executive function training can give you new skills to complete tasks on time and fulfill life's responsibilities.  

   

Seasons of Life, Transitions, & Grief

Let's face it, transitions are hard and learning how to adapt to change is not always intuitive. We often fly by the seat of our pants trying to keep up, but feeling at home with new schedules, people, or environments takes time. Wading through grief and loss can sometimes be confusing or painful. Therapy can help you move through these phases with more grace, purpose, and intention. 


Culture, Spirituality & Religious Beliefs

Culture and religion can have a profound impact on our lifestyles, values, and beliefs about mental health. I am especially interested in helping those that experience a crossroads with their cultural or spiritual values and mental health.  Leaning on your faith during distress may be helpful and even natural, but sometimes we need additional support. Therapy can help strengthen spiritual and cultural values, and give clarity to these parts of your identity.

   

Payment, Fees, and Availability

Availability Status: Accepting new clients!

I have openings for both in-person and online therapy. For online therapy clients must be located in the state of Maryland due to telehealth regulations. My hours vary through out the week. 

Insurance & Superbills

I am In-Network with All CareFirst and BCBS plans. For other insurance plans you may have out of network benefits. I will provide you with a superbill in case you want to submit for reimbursement.  

Self Pay Fees

Group Therapy - $100

Individual Therapy - $150

Premarital therapy for engaged couples - $200   

"Compassionate people ask for what they need. They say no when they need to, and when they say yes, they mean it,"


Brené Brown

Contact Info

I provide both in person and online therapy. For online therapy clients must be located in the state of Maryland due to telehealth regulations. To set up a consultation or become a new client please contact The Couples and Family Clinic for more information. Thank you.

The Couple and Family Clinic

4424 Montgomery Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States

Office Phone: 240-390-6381 Email: info@coupleandfamilyclinic.com Website: www.coupleandfamilyclinic.com

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