Katie Gilbertson, LMHC
Do more for yourself and less for everyone else.
I’m really good at being a therapist because I know what it’s like to have self-doubt…
You have lived a long time in this caretaking, people-pleasing, over-accommodating role and you’re sick and tired of it. But you also doubt that you are valued in your relationships, that you are successful, that you can live without anxiety or guilt, and you doubt that you are allowed to prioritize yourself.
Take it from me (I am an expert after all) that self-doubt is created to benefit those in your life who like being taken care of by you. This can be parents, partners, friends, colleagues, or society in general. When you doubt yourself, people and companies profit emotionally, mentally, and financially off your insecurities. I’ve been there and have done plenty of my own work to rebuild my self-worth and believe that I’m allowed to exist without guilt or shame - you can too!
Starting therapy is the first step to prioritizing your needs. Healing self-doubt is a mental game and I’m hear to help you win. You don’t have to continue putting others first at the expense of yourself. You don’t have to keep wondering if your loved ones truly care about you. You don’t have to keep doubting if all the hard work and accomplishments you’ve had are really enough. You definitely don’t have to keep wondering if you are good enough just as you are. I promise the answer to these questions most often is “yes, you are enough!” You just have to start believing it too.
What’s it like to work with me?
If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter, buttoned up, blank-slate therapist, I am not your girl.
I show up fully as a human in sessions - prepared to roll my eyes with you at the dumb thing your boss said, make a list of (fake) revenge plots against your ex, or get misty when you finally process that trauma that’s been holding you back.
I understand how vulnerable the therapy process can feel, and I don’t take your vulnerability lightly. But I’m also here to challenge you and kindly hold you accountable to heal. I’ll call out your avoidance and negative coping skills while encouraging you to try new ones. I’ll empower you to have the tough conversations with your loved ones. I’ll definitely challenge the untrue negative thoughts you have about yourself, your body, and your existence. All of this is done with the utmost respect and empathy for you and your therapy process.
So much of this work is about unlearning and that requires some honest, frank conversations. But you’ll never be shamed or guilted for stumbling through this process. You always have permission to pivot your therapy or tell me to slow down if we move too quickly. I’ve got your back!
Identify your strengths.
Letting go of self-doubt and people-pleasing behaviors is all about recognizing your strengths and qualities that make you the rad human you already are. You may not feel connected to your strengths yet and that’s ok. Let’s figure them out together.
Overcome the barriers.
There may always be barriers to overcome, especially when learning to put yourself first, but things become easier to manage with therapy. When you start prioritizing yourself, setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and having fun, barriers become less challenging.
Meet your goals.
Practice and consistency is what creates progress and change - it’s no different in therapy. Consistently showing up for yourself and practicing tools outside of sessions will help you create a less anxious life and have more connected relationships. When you start doing more for yourself, and less for others, you’ll start to see progress.
Training & Education
Bachelor’s in Psychology - PLU 2014
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health - Antioch 2019
Trained in Health at Every Size
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy
TBD: Training in ADHD
TBD: Training in Somatic Therapy