Do you laugh enough?

Are you calm and still energetic?

Are you using your creative energy?

When was the last time you felt free?

Where do you find beauty in your life?

Therapy is deciding where you want to go in life and discovering what blocks need to be removed so you can get there. I ask the questions that will help you to discover your path and get the rocks out of the way!

All of us yearn to find fulfillment and make a meaningful contribution to the world with our lives. I look forward to thinking, laughing, learning, and feeling with you as you go about becoming who you most want to be.

I am a supporter of personal growth and fulfillment.

I believe that each person is entitled to a life that works, however he or she defines it.

In individual therapy, we begin by exploring your story. I want to know what matters to you, who is important to you, what makes you smile. As I get to know you, you do too! Directed questions will bring out aspects of your life and personality that have been in the shadows and yearn to have expression.

We will explore your support system and see who is encouraging you to become the person you choose to be. We will look at the thoughts and behaviors that are working against your dream. Our focus will be on changing the ways that you think, feel, and behave so that you move toward the goals you have set.

I am a supporter of long term relationships.

I believe that couples, gay or straight, can find deep satisfaction by creating a mutually sustaining relationship which nurtures you and your family.

Couples therapy begins by asking directed questions to help the two of you clarify the basis of your commitment to your relationship and to hear your partner’s commitment as well. We go from there to untangling the misunderstandings and poor communication that have kept you from feeling a connection to each other.

We will look at the thoughts and behaviors that are working against your dream. We will explore your support system and see who is encouraging you to become the couple you dream of being. You will do much of the work of repairing your relationship at home as you practice the skills you learn in my office.

I am a supporter of healthy and vibrant religious communities.

I believe that there are times when clergy can benefit from thinking through situations in a confidential setting removed from family and community.

I grew up in parsonages and have been very involved in most aspects of the life of my church for over 25 years. I am familiar with parish politics and the organizational challenges which come in religious communities. My work with you begins with directed questions to clarify your concerns and illuminate the dilemma. We are then able to explore responses, their implications and possible reactions from others.

Clarity emerges for you as you think aloud in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting. The choices you make are yours alone, as I have no connection with your community and no agenda for you. We will explore your beliefs only as they inform the decisions you are making. We may examine aspects of your personality as we talk. However, this is not intended to be therapy.

Fees

As of May 1, 2008

One hour of therapy or coaching, $90

One hour of couples counseling, $95

No charge for brief telephone consultations.

Insurance coverage dependent on the limitations of your policy. Please direct all questions to your health insurance carrier.

Scheduling

Scheduling is flexible.
We will meet for 50 minutes at intervals that suit you financially and give you time to follow through on experiments and plans that we create.
You will decide when you have accomplished what you came to do and we will say goodbye.

Please call (207) 622-4774 to schedule an appointment or to ask questions.

Hours are between 10am and 5pm Monday through Friday except by arrangement.

Biography

Kathy graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Religion. Her M.S.W. is from the University of Connecticut Northern New England Branch. She is a trained psychotherapist (LCSW) with over 30 years experience working with individuals, couples, and groups.

Prior to opening her private practice in 1994, Kathy worked as therapist for an inpatient mental health unit, an outpatient substance abuse agency, and an agency focusing on dual diagnosis, the overlap of substance abuse and mental health issues, all in Augusta, Maine.

Her professional therapy work has been grounded in her belief in the human capacity for growth, adaptation, and the ability to overcome obstacles with support and encouragement.

Therapy treatment is focused on achieving the goals set in collaboration with the client, with resistance being understood as a need to revisit the objectives and treatment plan.