Katherine Bentsen LCSW

In the first session we will broadly go over your concerns and brainstorm ways we might be able to work together to address them. I will provide feedback regarding treatment, but ultimately the path your treatment takes is your call. This is also a chance for you to get to know me and decide if we are a good fit (no hurt feelings if not!). In the second session we will firm up your treatment plan (aka our “plan of attack”), make sure we are on the same page regarding what the overall therapeutic process and relationship will look like, and pick the first action steps to focus on. From there, your treatment plan acts as our guide from session to session. However, I am very flexible with this and am willing to work on whatever you feel is needed in real time.

My therapeutic approach is primarily informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy. However, I am familiar with a variety of modalities and ultimately tailor treatment to my clients’ needs. I have experience utilizing Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. As a social worker, I always consider my clients within the context of the environment around them. You can expect lots of validation and encouragement of self-compassion combined with gentle challenging and constructive feedback. I firmly believe in the benefit of the skills taught in DBT (mindfulness, interpersonal, regulating emotions, and learning to tolerate discomfort) and weave them throughout treatment often.

• Kentucky, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 253504