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Kathleen Goforth, Counseling Student Intern
Supervised by Robyn D Reyna, LPC-S, RPT-S
It is the human condition to want to be seen, heard and understood by others. And that begins with seeing, hearing and understanding yourself. This can be very difficult because of neuro-divergence, metal health issues, life stresses or trauma. Human need support and understanding, not criticism and judgement. And quite often, we are our own worse judges. It is a common myth that being hard on yourself helps one to succeed. But the reality is, those individuals who grow, learn and become well-adjusted adults do so despite this limiting belief not because of it. It is not helpful, because we are all human and we need support in learning and applying more positive ways of relating to ourselves and others.
I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship between the counselor and the client. I offer unconditional positive regard, empathy and authenticity. I may not always say what you want to hear, but I will always speak with kindness and with your interest at heart. Your well-being is the priority. Always.
Children, adolescents and adults express themselves differently. Children’s primary language is play, and it is through play, that experiences and feelings can be processed, and emotions can be regulated. Because of this, play is crucial to the socio-emotional development of a child, and to help children heal from traumatic and difficult experiences. However, play therapy has been shown to be effective in therapy throughout the lifetime.
The teen years are difficult to navigate. Talking to an adult is often the last thing a teenager wants to do, but they do need and want to connect…and play therapy can achieve that.
Adults, like children and adolescents, need to feel safe. Safe to be themselves, safe to explore difficult thoughts and feelings, safe to process painful life events, and safe to let go of coping strategies that no longer serve them. It is an honor and a privilege when another person trusts me enough to feel safe. That is connection, and that is the foundations of a strong counselor/client relationship. At times, therapy with adults is the two of us talking through difficult things; at times it us the two of us connecting and celebrating change; and sometimes we may use play to touch deeper struggles in a way that feels safer allowing us to work deeper.
Kathleen works with:
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Kids, Teens and Adults
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Emotional Difficulties (anxiety, depression, anger etc.)
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Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, SPD, Dyslexic, etc.)
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Relationship conflicts
Kathleen specializes in:
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Communication and strengthening relationships
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Play Therapy
