Her Story
About Katie
My career path started while I was in school, working office assistant and receptionist jobs to support myself through my education. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Houston main campus in 2019, then went into my grad program at Houston Baptist University where I got my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2023. From there, I went into my internship and practicum where you're kind of a baby but you're still learning. Then I became an LPC associate and had to earn 3,000 hours, both indirect and direct, in order to become fully licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor. During my associate years, I completed my EMDR training, which I would say has been my biggest achievement - I use that almost on a daily basis and it's very effective with my clients specifically. Now I see clients in person and virtually, doing sessions pretty much all day with different types of therapies, though I make sure to schedule and block off downtime for my own well-being because my work is very taxing. The whole career field has been amazing - I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else. It just works for me.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I mean, I've always been a hard worker, right? So I'd say a lot of my own motivation and grit, you know, but a big chunk was also my parents. You know, they kicked me in the ass when I needed it growing up, and they just made it possible for me to do what I needed to do. So I'd say, you know, my own motivation and my parents.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think it came from my dad when I was a kid. He said, anything worth doing is worth doing right. And I think that's a big piece, because it applies to anything. You know, it applies to when you actually put in the work and go through schooling and get to the career that you want to do, but I think it also applies to cleaning the kitchen, right? Don't half-ass it, because then you're gonna have to do it again.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I guess I'd tell them, you know, if you want something bad enough, you just have to work hard enough for it. And nobody else is going to do the work but you. It's… I mean, I love the field, I just… you have to be cut from a certain cloth to do it. And so, if you don't think it's the right fit, you know, I wouldn't recommend it. You better be sure, I guess.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the stigma, I think. I mean, there's definitely less of it more recently, but there's definitely the stigma of, oh, well, only crazy people go to therapy, only sick people go to therapy, right? Versus, like, in my opinion, obviously I'm a bit biased, but I think everybody needs a therapist at one point or another in their life, and it just makes things easier. As for opportunities, I think it's just literally helping the clients that come through the door. You know, anybody that needs the help, right? Giving them the best chance, giving them the best skills that they can apply to whatever they bring to session, you know, and helping one person at a time. That's all you can do, and you can get additional training, right, anything you need in order to help a wider range of people, but I think it just starts with one, and you know, just… that's it. Just help one at a time.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'd say honesty, ambition, authenticity, family, happiness, having a purpose, right? Dependability. Work-life balance - you know, that's really important, because you're not going to last in either if you can't balance it out. Yeah, and, you know, it's a commitment, I'd say.
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