Kathy Boyd, LCSW

My style is honest, open and at times directive, not unlike that of a coach. My goal is for you to reach yours.

Your story and how you have come as far as you have is important – and uniquely yours. I will honor that and together work as you are ready, providing tools and strategies I have acquired over my career and years of living that might be helpful. What I have also learned is that time does NOT heal all wounds. Too often the injuries from childhood can follow us into adulthood. How we coped as children may have served us well to survive, but once we are adults, these tools may, in fact, can get in the way. Finding what works, practicing self-compassion and daring to do it differently can clear the path towards the life you want and have always deserved.

I have more than 15 years of clinical experience working with adults, youth and families with a wide range of life issues and mental health challenges. I have worked the front lines of community mental health, including going into the home, schools, emergency rooms and jails. I have found everyone needs and wants to be ‘seen’ – which translates as being valued, understood and heard – without judgment.

I attended undergraduate school at Southern Methodist University and embarked on a business career that spanned more than 25 years. In 2001, I gave myself ‘permission’ to pursue my lifelong passion – becoming a counselor – and enrolled in graduate school at the University of Kansas. In 2004 I received my degree and was chosen to be part of a post-master’s fellowship in Topeka Kansas, working with staff that had been part of the original Menninger’s Foundation. I worked with youth and their families for more than a decade and most recently with adults in an outpatient setting, many of whom have struggled with severe mental health and life issues. I cannot describe how fortunate I was to have worked with such amazing people and all I learned. It was truly a gift.

I moved from the Kansas City area to Austin the end of 2017 to be closer to family. I carry a clinical license in Texas as well as Kansas. I am enjoying the warmer weather and do not miss those Kansas winters. I am a therapy ‘geek’ and strive to always grow and learn what might help those I work with. No two individuals are alike and I honor the challenge as well as the uniqueness of each person that walks in my door. It would be a privilege to work with you.

The Reality of Therapy

Success is not a given in therapy. You don’t always get the change you hoped for; people do not necessarily ‘get it’ just because you do. Often things get worse before they get better, as most in the field will acknowledge.

Therapy is both an art and a science rather than a cookie-cutter process. It involves emotions and the appreciation of the uniqueness of who we are, where we have been and a clear understanding what we want to be different. It also requires a willingness to grow, be vulnerable and do things differently. Once you know better, you start doing better. It is possible to get there. Over the past 15 years of my clinical work, I have seen lives change.