Kaitlyn Neal
Hello! Thank you for making time to explore the possibility of therapy. I am happy you’re here!
I am passionate about hearing the stories of my clients and sitting with the nuance and humanity in their best experiences, their worst experiences, and everything else in between. As a white clinician, I recognize my privilege within the therapy room and work to minimize the power differential inherent in a therapist-client relationship by empowering clients to find, nurture, and hold space for their most authentic selves. I prioritize consent throughout the process of therapy. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages, configurations, and stages of life.
My clinical practice is based in systems theory and cultural humility. Systems theory provides a framework for how change takes place within a relational system. We are all tied to our relational systems, broader societal systems, and our own unique relationship to ourselves. This perspective is seen in how we relate to, and understand, the world around us. Systems theory acknowledges the complexity, nuance, and variety of the human experience. It holds space for one’s intersectional identities and how those identities impact one’s life.
Cultural humility is a life-long practice 1 . It involves an “awareness of and a commitment to” addressing power imbalances, and consistently using self-reflection, to guide an empathetic and understanding stance towards diverse perspectives, cultures, identities, and values 2 . Cultural humility is not only important to my work, it is a cornerstone of my life. A culturally humble framework helps me, and my clients, dismantle harmful dominant narratives that can negatively impact our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
I also draw from a variety of different theories to support the unique situations each client brings including emotionally focused, structural, internal family systems, narrative, Gottman couples therapy, Schnarch differentiation therapy, and more. It would be my deepest honor to journey with you as you uncover your resilience and strength in life’s crazy challenges.
Specializations and Areas of Focus:
Relational work: I deeply enjoy working with couples, polycules, and moresomes.
I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community. As a relational therapist I find joy in helping clients dismantle mono-normative, hetero-patriarchal, and colonialist standards of love, so clients can decide what type of love and relationship(s) works best for them.
Sexuality: I practice from a sex-positive lens. I believe that sex is a normal part of the human experience and just like any other topic, has a place in the therapy room. Therapy is a great place to get support in your sex life, to explore various sexual identities, dismantle sexual shame, and heal from any sexually related trauma and/or emotional wounds. I support, celebrate, and am happy to work with all sexual identities including the kink and/or BDSM community, ace and/or aro individuals or relational systems, non-monogamous folks in any configuration, sex-workers, and any identity unique to you.
Education and Experience:
M.A. Candidate in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University Seattle
Certificate in Sex Therapy from Antioch University Seattle (in progress)
References:
Hurley, D. A., Kostelecky, S. R., & Townsend, L. (2022). Cultural Humility. American
Library Association.
1 Hurley et al. (2022)
2 Hurley et al., 2022, p.2
Email: kaitlyn@amberrice.org
Phone: 425-390-4708
FAQ's about Kaitlyn
Is Kaitlyn a licensed therapist?
She is a counseling intern. Counseling interns are students who are completing their necessary hours of clinical experience in their graduate school program. Kaitlyn is a Couple and Family Therapy Counseling student at Antioch University. She is also supervised by several counseling professionals. She will be consulting with them regarding her client’s care and treatment.
What are Kaitlyn’s fees?
Kaitlyn’s counseling fee is $80 per 50 minute session. Clients will receive counseling every week until it is determined that a reduction in frequency is indicated in the treatment.
If I can’t afford the fees, what other options are there?
Kaitlyn reserves a few sliding scale slots in her schedule for those in financial need or in marginalized identities. Please reach out to Kaitlyn directly to discuss this possibility.
What forms of payment are accepted?
All major credit cards are accepted. Kaitlyn cannot accept cash or checks at this time.
How is Amber Rice involved in my counseling?
Amber Rice is Kaitlyn’s clinical supervisor, along with the clinical supervisors at Antioch University. Amber will be consulting with Kaitlyn each week about her clients to provide ongoing education and feedback.
How long will I be in counseling with Kaitlyn?
Every client is different and they access therapy for varying lengths of time.. However, you should expect to be in counseling for a minimum of 2-3 months. When Kaitlyn completes her graduate program, she may need to discontinue care after graduation. She will be making each client aware of this once her graduation date is known.
What are the next steps?
Email us so we can schedule a free phone consultation to get you started!