Hi everyone! I’m so glad you found your way here!
Anyone who has flown in an airplane knows the instruction to “put on your own oxygen mask before helping others” and that advice can be applied broadly to life in general, but it’s difficult to practice! If you’re looking to learn more about how to balance your own needs/wants/self-care with the demands of fast paced daily life and family needs, we can figure out what “putting on your mask first” looks like for your life. If you’re trying to find more calm moments throughout your day, less conflict in your parenting, and ways to reduce stress for improved sleep/anxiety/depression, then I may be able to help.
I have a passion for working with people who struggle to manage life with a chronic illness or pain, which is hard to navigate even without normal life stress. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2012, after a long struggle with confusing and undecipherable health problems. In 2018, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as well, and this spurred a desire to help people who also struggle with navigating the mental health side of chronic illness.
Prior to starting a private practice, I worked in schools and provided behavioral therapy in homes. I understand the challenges parents face in coping with behavioral issues. I hold a certification in Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), which is helpful in working with parents of children with difficult behaviors (ie ADHD & ASD). I spent a few years of my career as director of a residential program for special needs adults.
I’ve been working as a therapist for over a decade, and my approaches and styles have evolved over the years. My therapeutic style is about creating a foundation of warmth and empathy for whatever is happening your life, helping you explore your strengths, and learning new skills for coping and stress management. Life is complicated, messy, and stressful, but I believe everyone can create a life they don’t want to escape from.
In my downtime, I love spending time with my partner/boyfriend, family, dog, and cat. Wanda the dog and Buddy the cat may join in a telehealth session from time to time! I am a hobby gluten free baker, and generally enjoy cooking. Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies when I feel up to it, and spend as much time as I can near or in the water! I also enjoy creating crafts and art of all kinds.
Katherine Arno, LMHC 