Katy Santa Maria
LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor
Life can be hard enough as it is, so big kudos to you for looking for some extra support! At the core of my work is building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. I would love to get to know you and whatever you bring to the therapy space, listen to areas you may feel stuck in, and go from there. Centering you as a human being who has taken the brave first step of working with a new therapist, I want to go at a pace that you feel comfortable with and are ready for. Clients have found my approach to be warm and validating with a helpful dose of directness and practical skill-building.
As part of my systemic lens, I like to build an understanding of the contexts and experiences that make up your unique story—whether that be intersecting identities, histories with trauma, or communities you’re a part of or want to be involved in. Using evidence-based modalities, I then work with you to set goals for treatment that feel attainable and may even bring about some hope. I believe that both acknowledging pain as well as accessing joy is integral to a helpful therapy experience, so I aim to support you in finding or rediscovering what makes life feel worth living through nonjudgment, curiosity, and collaboration (and a bit of humor along the way doesn’t hurt, either!).
I work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities, and have extensive experience treating adolescents, adults, college students, parents and caregivers, individuals with multiple/complex traumas, and those newer to therapy, including those considering therapy at a loved one’s request. All are welcome, and I especially enjoy working with queer, trans, neurodivergent and BIPOC folks and addressing topics like anticipatory grief, loneliness, anxiety, depression, life transitions/stress, trauma, parenthood, postpartum, parenting LGBTQIA+ youth, caretaking for loved ones, and family members affected by substance abuse or narcissism.
I draw from person-centered, anti-racist, and trauma-informed therapeutic frameworks. I am also certified in EMDR and tend to integrate emotion regulation and mindfulness-based modalities, including DBT and ACT (a form of CBT that integrates acceptance with creating actions that move toward your values). Of note, I also adore animals and have two cats.
Starting therapy is a cause worth celebrating, and I can’t wait to work with you.
I use she/her pronouns and accept Aetna, Cigna, Highmark, United/Optum, Quest, Highmark, & IBX insurances.
I am available for in-person sessions at the Society Hill location, as well as teletherapy.
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