Kathleen O'Dierno

Hi and welcome! I have over 10 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, and life's many transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to move at a pace that feels right for them.

I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and certified in Interpersonal Neurobiology. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, including probation, a hospital behavioral health unit, a psychiatric clinic, and a Trauma Recovery Center. These experiences have given me the opportunity to support individuals from diverse backgrounds who are facing complex emotional challenges. In addition to my clinical work, I also teach at the university level, allowing me to stay engaged with current research and evidence-based practices while bringing that knowledge into my work with clients.

Whether you're struggling with the effects of trauma, overwhelming anxiety, grief, depression, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you build resilience, gain insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs and goals. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical skills to navigate life's challenges. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy that can help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences when appropriate. I also integrate evidence-based therapies with an understanding of how the brain, nervous system, relationships, and life experiences shape emotional well-being.

I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Together, we'll identify what works best for you, building on your strengths while fostering resilience, self-understanding, and lasting change. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.

Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, and I believe the first session should help you feel heard, understood, and hopeful. My priority is to provide a warm, supportive environment where you don't have to have all the answers or tell your entire story in one meeting.

We'll spend time getting to know one another, discussing what has brought you to therapy, identifying your goals, and exploring what's already working in your life. Together, we'll develop a plan that builds on your strengths while addressing the challenges that are keeping you from living the life you want.

I view therapy as a partnership. I'll meet you with compassion, honesty, and respect while offering practical tools, evidence-based interventions, and insights that empower you to move toward healing and lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.