“The willingness to empty ourselves and then seek our true nature is an expression of great and courageous love.”
About Me
I came to my path of being a therapist through my own lived experiences, and the desire to hold space for others while they sift through the complicated and contradictory interactions with the world around them. In addition to being a therapist, I also engage in work with folks across multiple settings – clinical supervision, consultation, mentorship, and academia. I find that the integration of myself as a person and professional are my greatest tools, and I find great fulfillment in my working relationships where we get to be in meaningful dialogue and create impact together.
My personal philosophy and clinical practice is rooted in humanistic and holistic beliefs, meaning that I value the humanity and identities of all people I work with. I believe in working across differences to cultivate a safe, culturally affirming space for clients of all backgrounds. I work primarily with adults, and have professional counseling experience within university settings, community mental health, outpatient medical services, and crisis work. I have worked in many settings throughout the country and believe it is my passion to connect with people and form emotionally safe relationships with the clients I work with.
I have received extra clinical training in Gestalt psychotherapy, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theory, mindfulness practices, somatic meditation, and the Enneagram. These experiences enrich my clinical practice and aid in my process of helping clients gain fulfillment in their lives.
The Counseling Process
Throughout my clinical work, I operate from a trauma informed lens. From this perspective, I understand the complex and multifaceted stories in people’s lives and the emotions that are tied to those experiences. I believe in allowing space for what is – meaning that I will sit with you in the dark places that are often difficult to tread through alone. The vulnerability that unravels in therapy can be overwhelming, and I consider it a great honor to be in that space with you.
I believe that you are the expert on your own life, therefore it is my priority to join with you in your journey towards growth and integration. Counseling can be an uncomfortable place… I hope the genuineness and emotional safety that I provide throughout the counseling process will allow you to be as you are, and allow the space for healing as well.
Academia
Since 2020, I have taught and supervised students pursuing graduate degrees in clinical mental health counseling. In addition to my role as therapist, I am a counselor educator, invested in the education and training of new folks in the counseling profession. Through my role at Seattle University, as Assistant Clinical Professor, I engage in scholarship, mentorship and advising, service, teaching, and supervising. In terms of research and scholarship, my projects involve clinical supervision practices, person of the therapist development, counselor identity development, and counselor wellness.
More information on my role in academia can be found here.
Kathleen H. Driscoll, PhD, LCMHC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
khdcounseling@gmail.com
703.851.1009