About Dr. Kathy Christian
I have been providing effective psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children for more than 30 years. I work with individuals, couples and families. Psychotherapy is a powerful process. I apply a variety of approaches to help clients understand themselves, their relationships with others, and their goals for the future. Life brings all kinds of challenges– depression, irritability, anxiety, and relationship difficulties are just some of the symptoms that can exist. When obstacles are understood and removed, a more gratifying life becomes possible. I will collaborate with you to help you deal with the issues you are facing, build on your strengths, and equip you with the tools to handle both present and future concerns.
Professional Settings
- Medical: Upon receiving my PhD, I spent a year in a postdoctoral fellowship where I worked training Family Practice physicians-to-be. There, my interest in the ways that the mind and body can be so closely and inexorably connected was developed. I spent another 3 years working with physicians in hospitals to help them help their patients. This experience has given me the knowledge necessary to work with individuals who suffer from physical problems that are accompanied by psychological concerns.
- Government: For 14 years I worked at NASA as the Manager of their Employee Assistance Program. I worked with employees and their family members who were from all walks of life. I designed and presented training on a wide range of topics. I served on a committee at NASA where I helped to create the agency-wide Leadership Coaching Program. I provided executive coaching and training for all levels of leaders. At NASA I started a Therapy Dog program where I trained and obtained certification for 2 standard poodles (Dexter and Ella). One of them came to work with me each day. Seeing the incredibly positive impact of Therapy Dogs in a workplace was extremely rewarding and was truly a wonder to witness. Ella and Dexter are still part of my family and I look forward to using them in my practice in the future.
- Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Military Veterans: I have worked with law enforcement professionals (local, county, state, federal) and military vets over most of my career, and especially during the past 4 years in Federal law enforcement. I have become steeped in law enforcement culture and this knowledge helps me work effectively with those in these special groups.
- Trauma and Disasters: I have delivered Critical Incident Stress Management services to many groups, perhaps most notably after Hurricane Katrina (in Mississippi) and Ike (in Texas). I understand how to work effectively with both the victims of traumatic incidents and those who work on the front lines to help them.
