(they/them)
I started Catalpa Counseling after I found myself bored with traditional talk therapy. And if I could feel the limits of this therapy, how was that affecting my clients?
Hi! I’m Kade.
I understood that we learn best through experiences. And I understood that we weren’t experiencing what we were talking about when staying inside of an office. So, I wanted to break the therapy mold a little.
That’s why I’d love the honor of working with you. We’ll meet in the outdoors, walking a long a path, creating art, and finding new forms of expression.
I specialize in working with clients within the LGBTQ+ population. I’ve experienced first-hand the struggles of navigating the mental health world as a queer person, especially in rural communities. My hope is to make this a little easier for those I work with.
I also specialize in those who have faced traumas, including religious trauma. Traumatic memories and emotions aren’t stored in the part of our brains that respond to talking (verbal processing). For some people, being in the outdoors and engaging with art and creativity can help to tackle this a little more.
My Approach
When I first meet clients, I might tell them a story that goes like this:
Imagine you and I are both setting out to climb our own mountains. We’ve got our gear on, we’ve prepared as best as we can, and we’re feeling hopeful. But, you can only prepare so much for these journeys! We’ll surely face our fair share of hurdles, challenges that seem to come out of nowhere, and pains.
But here’s the thing: the mountain you’re currently on? I’ve been on that one before. I’ve worked with it, experienced it, and learned from it. Additionally, from my vantage point on my mountain over here, I can see some things that you might not be able to see yet.
So, along our way, I might holler over at you to let you know about some potential obstacles coming up or to give you insight into how to navigate a particularly challenging part. But. I can’t do it for you. I can’t come over to your mountain and conquer that obstacle for you. I’ll also never pressure you to tackle a particular challenge in a particular way. It’s all up to you. You’re in charge of the path you take, but perhaps, if you’d like, I can help support you from over on my mountain.
I believe that you are the expert of your story. I will never pretend to know everything or know the exact right way to do something (whatever that means!). I view therapy as a partnership or collaboration.
Every day, I am honored to meet with my clients and walk alongside them on their own journeys. I hope to support you as you confront old traumatic memories, challenge old narratives, and finally express some of those emotions like grief, anxiety, and anger. None of this you will have to do alone. But also, all of it you will be able to do on your own terms.
Wanting to know more about what it might be like to work together? Click to schedule a free consultation.
Qualifications, Education, and Trainings
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) - I.2204086-SUPV (OH) and LICSW127548 (MA)
Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate from Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute
Adventure Therapy internship & training with The Buckeye Ranch in Columbus, OH
Master’s of Social Work from The Ohio State University
Bachelor’s of Sociology and Criminology from The Ohio State University
Part of maintaining my license includes completing 30 hours of Continuing Education every 2 years. The above trainings and degrees are highlighted as they have had the most impact on informing how I practice as a therapist.
As Featured On…
In April 2024 I spoke with The Buckeye Flame about the work that’s happening with Catalpa Counseling and why it feels so important for me. We talk about how impactful this therapy can be for this with trauma, religious trauma, or those within the LGBTQ+ community. Click here to read!