Dr. Katherine Schoech

What is your style/approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is holistic and grounded in the mind body connection. I’m supportive and gently directive, helping you understand the emotional “parts” that can take over during stress so you can respond with more clarity and intention. I use evidence-based therapies—including CBT, IFS, EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing—to help you make sense of your experiences, build on your strengths, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

What does a first session with you look like?

A first session with me is an intake, but it’s really a chance for you to start sharing your story in a safe, confidential space. I focus on listening, understanding what brings you to therapy, and learning about your strengths and goals. Together, we begin building trust and collaboration so you can feel supported as we move forward.

What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?

I believe the most important part of therapy is feeling truly safe—safe to speak openly, explore difficult emotions, and know you’ll be heard and validated. Trust and collaboration are also essential. When you feel supported and we work together as a team, therapy becomes a place where real healing can happen.

Work history

I’ve spent more than twenty years helping people heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. My work began in direct care with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, where I learned how differently trauma can show up and how often it goes unnoticed. I supported people in their homes, day programs, and through case management, and I trained providers to better recognize mental health needs in the IDD community.

After earning my master’s degree in psychology, I joined a specialized mental health team serving individuals with IDD and expanded into substance abuse and domestic violence work. I created the first domestic violence program for teens in that setting and also served as a victim advocate. Becoming an EMDR therapist in 2005 strengthened my trauma‑focused approach.

I later completed my PhD with an emphasis on trauma, PTSD, and neuropsychological testing. During my internship, I provided assessments for infants leaving the NICU, children being evaluated for IDD services, and adults with and without disabilities. This deepened my understanding of how trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and depression affect thinking, learning, and daily life.

Since then, I’ve continued providing therapy in university counseling, integrated medical care, and most recently at Family Care Center, where I supported adults with a wide range of mental health needs. I now provide telehealth therapy with a continued focus on trauma recovery, PTSD treatment, anxiety and depression support, and ADHD management.