Kaitlyn Howell, LISW
(she/her/hers) In person and/or telehealth
“You never have to apologize for your emotions in here”
Therapy with me is honest, collaborative, and focused on real connection. You don’t have to perform or get it “right” here. I will meet you where you are with compassion and unconditional positive regard. I’m easy to talk to and I work to create a space where people don’t feel like they have to filter themselves.
I’m a clinical social worker with 14 years of experience in the field and am licensed in IA, IL, MO, MN, and PA. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from The College of New Jersey in 2009 and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012.
I have experience working with adults across the lifespan in both residential and outpatient settings. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a wide range of concerns including trauma, substance use, relationship issues, and life transitions. I also spent over a decade working with veterans, which gave me a strong foundation in working with complex and long-standing patterns.
My social work background gives me a systems-based lens rooted in social justice, so I pay attention not just to what you’re going through, but the larger context around it. In session, I listen closely for themes and patterns, especially how you talk to yourself. I often notice self-critical and black-and-white thinking, and I help clients begin to find more flexibility and nuance in how they understand themselves. A big part of that work is helping people learn to treat themselves with more kindness and give themselves more grace.
Why Kaitlyn?
Young adults and identity development
Life transitions
Relationship and interpersonal issues
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and self-critical thinking
Substance use
Helping professionals who are used to taking care of everyone else
LGBTQ+ clients and underserved populations
Specialities
My approach is relational and process-oriented, grounded in a trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based framework.
I draw from multiple treatment modalities depending on the person and what they need, including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and EMDR. I tailor the work to fit each client.
In session, I am engaged, present, and interactive. I share observations, ask thoughtful and sometimes direct questions, and gently challenge you when it’s helpful. We can work through what is painful and messy in a judgment-free space.
I work best with people who are willing to be honest and curious about themselves, even when that feels uncomfortable.