Katie Raser

My name is Katie Raser and I am a licensed mental health counselor with a background in social work. I am a hands-on clinician, who enjoys engaging with clients to help them make meaningful changes. I work with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or going through significant life changes. I primarily work with parents and pregnant people, focusing on the transition to parenting, parenting children ages 0-5, general anxiety, and mood changes related to parenting, pregnancy, and/or PMADS. I am also an ICEA-certified childbirth and infant care educator.

My approach

I describe myself as a more eclectic therapist, but I am rooted in psychodynamic, humanistic, and attachment-centered theories. I often draw from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), but also think that sometimes the best kind of therapy is just to be an objective listener who creates a safe space to explore feelings and behaviors. When working with parents, I do incorporate a fair amount of psychoeducation/parenting education, as well as coaching when needed and appropriate. Ultimately, I encourage every client to let me know what is working, what doesn’t feel like a good fit, and what they are hoping for.

My focus

I work with individuals who are experiencing life transitions and need a little extra support. I primarily work with new and expectant parents, usually mothers or pregnant/birthing people. I am comfortable treating PMADS (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders), as well as working with folks experiencing less acute symptoms who need a little navigating the transition to parenting. I work with parents experiencing challenges with bonding and attachment, changes to their relationships, and other struggles with parenting a young child, such as feeding or understanding infant behavior and communication. I also work with individuals who are currently pregnant or considering becoming pregnant (or adopting/fostering) to help prepare them for the journey ahead.

My communication style

I strive to be warm, friendly, and welcoming, with just enough humor to make a person feel comfortable. I love having meaningful conversations with my clients and really work to get to know a whole person, not just their symptoms.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always been interested in people and how they think and behave. My early work in social work cemented for me that I want to dedicate my life to helping people. I love therapy because it offers real change to help empower others to create meaningful change. I also know from my own therapy experiences how profoundly important and life-changing good therapy can be. I believe that therapy works and that having an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and objective ear can be extremely beneficial for everyone, not just folks facing a crisis. I am constantly learning from my clients and working to become a better therapist and human.

My goals for you

I work collaboratively with clients to identify what they want to work on and offer suggestions as appropriate. I also check in frequently to see if clients feel like they are making progress or need to adjust the goals that they have set. I believe in transparent conversation at all times about what is working and what is not.

My first session with you

The first session to me is a little like a first date - both parties are getting to know the other and determining if it feels like a good fit. I think the therapeutic relationship is critical to the success of therapy. The first session is a time for both of us to ask questions and to determine if working together feels like the right choice.