Psychotherapy

My Approach to Practice

My therapeutic practice is relational, integrative, embodied, process-oriented, and grounded in a Catholic framework.

I orient my approach to flow with (not push against) our nature as humans to move toward resolution and flourishing in God’s timing. I therefore co-create a safe and deep process to unfold for each unique person. I am rooted in the body, I am centered in Christ, and I uphold the primacy of authentic presence in my work. I sometimes challenge cultural assumptions creatively and respectfully as a mindful Catholic seeking to approach general wellbeing from a pioneering, trauma-informed, humanizing, and depathologizing stance.

If we work together, we will explore what brings you in for seeking help, commit to your defined therapeutic goals, and collaboratively hold resonance for your process of unfurling towards others and yourself within God’s loving embrace.

Throughout the course of treatment, we’ll identify where your process is getting stuck and then incorporate Interpersonal Neurobiology, Somatic Psychology, Attachment theory, Internal Family Systems, other Evidence-based Therapies, creative arts, Scripture, and prayer to move your healing process forward practically and grounded in the present moment.

In sum, my general hope is that my sessions are always offering the co-regulation and tools you need so that you can feel safe enough to engage in the restoration of your whole self; your brain, heart, soul, relationships, and way of life.

In session, I’ve been known to invite clients, when appropriate, to use mindful movement, breathing techniques, bilateral stimulation, non-dominant hand drawing, art, meditation, and nature. I often pass along resources to empower my client’s with access to relevant knowledge. I also suggest my clients practice a piece of their work in between sessions with the aim of integrating change. If my clients are comfortable with it, we explore inner healing prayer in sessions as a way deepen the process by experiencing Christ’s resonance with our pain, the Father’s gentle love and truth, and how the Holy Spirit moves us to become who we are.

Who I work well with

Those wanting to heal from PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma-related anxiety, depression, compulsive thoughts & behaviors, addictions, and unhealthy attachments. Those who feel too much or too little. Those in the dark, crippled and numb from pain. The overthinkers and overachievers. Those who shame, blame, and abandoned their bodies. Those on the fringes of the church or in the pews. Polished professionals the emotional age of a neglected toddler. Those devoted to helping others, yet never themselves. Those who trust too quickly or too slowly. People yearning for a place but also space. People seeking to find a home but also escape. Desperate parents. Lost lovers. The addicted and heartbroken. The curious. The disillusioned. Those frozen in terror to ever really be themselves - to breathe and exist just as they are, already enough, whole, and unconditionally loved by Our Creator and Redeemer.

Some Assumptions I Work From

I believe each one of us is fundamentally good and made In God’s Image and likeness.

I believe each one of us experiences original, personal, transgenerational, and collective trauma and sin through the course of our lifespan.

I believe God, in His mysterious design, permits our fallen world and our trauma as the embodied pathway to draw us deeper into Himself and each other.

I believe Jesus - bloodied, beaten, and crucified - was present with me during my trauma.

I believe He was present for yours.

I believe our trauma calls us out of and beyond ourselves.

I believe that is much easier said than done.

I believe healing our trauma takes work - with the proper support.

I believe healing can get “stuck” when we find ourselves lost, lonely, and overwhelmed.

I believe “being stuck” is God’s invitation for us to take two steps - one step inward to face our fragility and one step outward to face someone else’s while seeking help (regardless of how lay or “professional” they may be).

I believe taking these steps looks different for everyone and is the most precious, personalized, and tender work.

I believe a licensed therapist can hold this process in balance.

I believe what happened to you isn’t your fault; but that you can discover choices to make and to practice.

I believe you deserve to uncover and reclaim God’s narrative within your narrative.

I believe our language -both by the tongue, body, and brush - can help restore our lives and stories for generations to come.

I believe healing only occurs in communion with oneself, God, and others.

I believe integrating my Catholic values in therapy is not only necessary for me to practice with integrity and presence but also very compatible within the ethical and legal boundaries of my scope of practice.

I believe my faith integration positions me to work as a culturally sensitive and competent practitioner offering respect & openness for the dignity of every person I serve in counseling and psychotherapy, regardless of faith, culture, background, status, sexual- or gender-related practices, or any other identifier that we humans hold near and dear to our names and hearts.

My Education

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Divine Mercy University

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Catholic Culture, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Certified Domestic Violence Counselor Training

Certified Sexual Assault Counselor Training

Treating Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems Training by Frank Anderson, MD

Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind: A Year with Bonnie Badenoch Training

Treating Trauma & Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model Training by Jan Winhall

The Power of Polyvagal Training by Deb Dana

Modalities I draw from

Personalism

Person-Centered Therapy

Interpersonal Neurobiology

Polyvagal Theory

Focusing Psychotherapy

Internal Family Systems

Existential Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Somatic Psychology

Baars-Terruwe Method

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy

Gottman Theory

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Client Testimonies

“My time with Kolbe has given me additional tools to practice life not in my head but in my body. The different ways I've coped with trauma have been survival tools. Kolbe's therapy  has helped me understand that those parts of me have messages for my growth and awareness. Connecting with them helps me to step away from living in my head. With his suggestion to sit still so I can feel physically where the  blockage is in my body has and continues to help me to take the emotional steps to place my hand on my throat, heart, or stomach and first talk about how I'm physically affected. From there, I'm more able to say the feeling out loud. I'm more aware of how I avoid feelings and I'm less afraid to take the steps to listen to what is stored inside of me. Kolbe's gentleness and trustful professionalism has deepened my healing journey. I’m grateful for my time and growth with Kolbe.”

“I’m deeply grateful for the profound impact Kolbe had on my life. His true presence during a particularly challenging time brought much-needed insight and guidance. His empathetic ear and insightful advice helped me navigate darkness and anger, and his encouragement empowered me to reclaim my life. Our sessions not only shifted my perspective but also instilled a sense of resilience and hope. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with a therapist as exceptional as Kolbe.”

Wondering how we might work together?

If you’d like to explore psychotherapy, collaborate on an offering, or inquire for more information, please fill out this form, or reach out by phone or email, and I can be in touch with you soon.