Meet Kathleen McKee

Reviews

Kathleen McKee is so personable, real, down to earth, empathetic, caring. She helps me feel like I can be and bring more of myself to life, all the time. I love her. Anyone who gets to work with her is going to be in for a treat.

Meeting with Kathleen McKee is like being hugged in a cozy blanket. I have always looked forward to working with her… Working with Kathleen has really deepened my self-awareness and self growth. I highly recommend her!

Education and Professional Experience

I have enjoyed traveling on a journey of multiple degrees and careers which ultimately led me to the counseling profession. I earned Bachelor degrees in Computer Science and Spanish, and had a career in computer programming, systems training and IT project management. I then attended UF to earn a Master’s degree in Soil and Water Science and worked at UF in interdisciplinary water research projects.

My desire to be with others in our common struggles with addiction, developmental trauma and relationships brought me to self-realization seminars and life coaching courses at Satvatove Institute. I began studying and teaching compassionate communication, including Nonviolent Communication, and doing life coaching, before earning a Master’s degree in Social Work. I have supported clients with PTSD, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, relationships, self-harm, low self-esteem, developmental trauma, spiritual questions, family discord, care giving, and grief. I have also taught group workshops with practical take-home skills for mindful self-compassion, attuned parenting, self-realization, childhood trauma, and compassionate communication. My former career in higher education also provides me with a unique understanding of the challenges involved for those in academia, so I enjoy supporting clients who may feel stuck or challenged in their academic pursuits including academic bullying.

Approach to Counseling

I approach sessions with deep listening so you can discover your true needs, wants and feelings. I recognize that your struggles exist in the context of your environment, relationships, and life history. I support you in gaining understanding of how some habits of behaving and thinking may have been 1) coping or protective strategies you learned when your previous needs were not met, are 2) negatively affecting the relationships that you want, or 3) causing mental health symptoms such as depression or anxiety. I am here to walk with you as you explore questions like these, to understand your inner dialogue more fully and support you in creating more harmony within yourself.

I utilize a variety of treatment approaches that I tailor to your individual situation. I will likely weave mindfulness, self-compassion, knowledge about the nervous system and communication skill-building into our sessions. I also pull from therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Attachment Theory, Developmental Trauma, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

I have a particular passion for supporting those with traumatic experiences which can often be resolved with one or two session of ART, and supporting parents to be with their child in positive and attuned ways that enhance their child’s ability to develop emotional intelligence, a sense of self, confidence, self-control and agency. Lastly, I bring a multicultural perspective to our sessions having spent extended periods in Venezuela, Spain, and India and having familiarity with spiritual paths including Catholicism, Buddhism and Vedic traditions.

Approach to Wellness

My approach to my own wellness is a lot about being mindful and kind to myself. I have practiced mindfulness in different ways since 2010 when I went on my first 2-week silent Buddhist retreat. I integrate mindfulness into my day and when I have discomfort from emotional ups and downs, or reactions to my environment, I notice my internal sensations, offer kindness to myself and breathe in a relaxing way. Nature is a healing force for me, so I take lots of walks among the trees, or work with soil. Deep authentic friendships, mantra chanting, gentle yoga, and living with purpose are important ways I experience wellness.

Kathleen’s sessions are not eligible for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. She is supervised by Dr. Melissa Miller, DSW.

To schedule an appointment, call or text us at (352) 474-8882 or request an appointment.