Dr Katherine J. Mitchell

My Psychotherapy Approach​
 
I'm a clinical psychologist specializing in individual therapy, as well as couples and group psychotherapy.  The most important aspect of my work is to create a nurturing environment where clients feel safe to actively engage in the process.  Through this environment, I enable individuals to become curious and interested in the fine, and sometimes difficult details of their experience, where deep emotional healing occurs.

My approach is referred to as “integrationist;” incorporating aspects of psychoanalytic, relational, somatic/body sensations, cognitive, and mindfulness therapy into treatment.  Research greatly influences my work, and particularly the underlying therapeutic elements, that promote change and healing. 

One aim of treatment is to facilitate greater self-awareness through gradually peeling away the myriad of barriers (i.e. self criticism, emotional avoidance, ineffective coping) that prevent access to self-knowledge.  A common barrier is the rejection of parts of the self.  Through greater understanding and acceptance of these parts, enhanced freedom, security and gradual change occurs.  Another element of psychotherapy is the utility of the therapeutic relationship as a microcosm of relationships in the outside world.  This relationship offers opportunities to process and understand early attachment patterns and to practice new ways of interacting.​​​
 
Most importantly, my approach is flexible and allows me greater freedom to understand both the unique aspects of the individual and the shared aspects that make us human.  Clients often come to treatment believing they need to fix something about themselves.  I am interested in creating mental wellness and not "fixing" mental illness.   Through collaborative understanding clients learn to more fully experience themselves, their strengths and meaningful life satisfaction.