Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA

Katie Woodson, AMFT

Therapist in Sacramento & Online

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
pronouns: she, her, hers

Specialties:

Relationship Therapy for Couples & Individuals
Sex Therapy
Teens & Adults: Eating Disorders, Body Image & Anxiety

I help people who are holding onto hope even though they are hurting and unsure of how to get to a better place.

You can experience more fulfillment in your life and relationships! I’m here to support you.

I’m the type of therapist who will listen deeply & compassionately while helping you make lasting change so you can have the life & relationships you crave.

Sometimes it just feels like there isn’t a way out of the pain.

I’m here to tell you that there is.

I’ve worked for years to support my clients in their healing from past experiences, creating healthier relationships, and growing their own self esteem and worth.

Therapy with me can help you improve communication, feel better about yourself, decrease anxiety and (most importantly) help you build the life & relationships you crave.

I have specialized training in evidence-based practices that are rooted in mindfulness, empathy and self-compassion, and a deep connection to what matters most (loved ones and our values).

I use person-focused therapy to create a safe space for my clients to explore all of the vulnerable parts both of themselves and within their relationships. I also often integrate mindfulness-based science-backed practices that help my clients feel supported and prepared to apply what they have learned in therapy to their own lives and relationships.

Culturally competent care- No one should feel that they have to dismiss parts of themselves in order to be in therapy.

I understand the important role one’s culture can play in their communication styles, values, and goals, all of which will have a large impact on the therapeutic process. I practice culturally competent therapy by taking the time to learn about all of the wonderful aspects of your culture that are important to you, so that we can engage in a therapy style that will truly work best for you.

You can have better relationships with others. You can have a better relationship to your body.

You can like–no–LOVE yourself.

It’s all possible.

Through this empowering experience, clients feel better about themselves and have true hope for their future.

My areas of expertise are:

Couples Therapy for Better Communication & Intimacy

I help couples go back to the basics of communication to ensure both people feel understood, safe, and comfortable in the vulnerability that is being a part of a romantic partnership. Together we can work on ensuring the inclusion of vital aspects of any relationship, including clear communication, healthy boundaries, and genuine intimacy.

Relationship Help for Millennials

The dating process looks so much different currently than it ever has. With the increase of dating apps and websites, and the increase of social media platforms in general, cultivating relationships in person can be quite intimidating for some and can even increase feelings of anxiety. While this is understandable, it does not have to be permanent! I support people in cultivating the confidence to go into the dating scene presenting their best and most authentic self.

Besides romantic relationships, I also support my clients in growing a network of all kinds of supportive relationships, including friendships and relationships with family members. Everyone needs people to lean on and do life with.

Body Image & Eating Disorders

The earliest years of my career as a therapist were spent working with clients with eating disorders of all types. I find that the collaborative and empowering aspects of person-centered therapy, combined with the pragmatic aspects of DBT, really work together to help clients struggling with eating disorders feel supported.

I have also found that body image and low self-esteem are problems that clients from all backgrounds and circumstances can struggle with, whether they have an eating disorder or not. While diving into areas of self-esteem and self-worth can seem like a daunting and very vulnerable task, I am here to work with you and provide you with support every step of the way.

I know from personal experience that recovery from ED is possible–let’s work together to help you get there.

On a Personal Note…

I love working on my spiritual fulfillment with meditation, prayer, music, and yoga. I also love connecting and spending quality time with my loved ones, especially my wonderful husband.

Formal Credentials

License
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #120599: Registered to practice psychotherapy in California
Supervised by Megan Negendank, LMFT #93259

Education

M.S., Marital and Family Therapy: California State University, Dominguez Hills
B.A., Psychology: California State University, Long Beach

Advanced Trainings/Certifications
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level I
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Center for Discovery
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Introduction, Richstone Family Center
HAES (Healthy at Every Size) Trained, Center for Discovery
Suicide Prevention Training

Gottman Couples Therapy: Level 2 (In progress)
Gottman Couples Therapy: Trauma and Infidelity
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: Addressing Common Sexual Concerns in Individuals and Couples
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapy
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: Alternative Sexualities/Non-Traditional Relationships
Anti-Racism & Culturally Affirmative Care, Diversity & Resiliency Institute of El Paso

Click here to schedule an appointment.