Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Stoddard, LMFT, LCMFT.
Katrina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began when I found out that being a therapist was a real profession. I love relationships and dating, so I started looking to see if this was something I could do in the real world. I found Marriage and Family Therapy. I was so excited! I even found a program in my hometown. My partner and I decided to move back home to be close to family and I could continue my education. When I told my family, my sister asked me if I would be “one of those people who listen to you while you lie down on a couch”. I wasn’t sure how to answer, so I just said, “Yes, but laying down is optional”. It is funny to think about how little we all knew about therapy at that time and now I have had some of the most powerful experiences because of this profession; this work has forever changed me!
Over the years, I focused on developing specialties that match the phase of life that I was in myself. I think this has helped to fuel my passion in these areas and adds lived experience to my work with clients. I specialize in healing romantic partnerships, trauma, perinatal mental health, and sex. In school I received specialized training in treating relationships with a systemic lens. While in school, I was placed at at a small agency that treated children and their families who have been victims of abuse. I found this work to be very fulfilling and I learned so much and grew as a person. When I graduated, they hired me on as a staff member. I learned how to do play therapy and treat trauma. I also began working with mothers. When I became a mother, I understood why this work was so important. Working with children became too intense for me, so I began focusing on maternal mental health in private practice. As I found my way back to working with romantic relationships, I started my work on sex therapy. Every day is so fun for me; I love what I do! Each of my specialties speaks to who I am and what my passions are in this field.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest obstacle that I’ve faced is my own fear of failure. Fear is my archnemesis. I have worked hard over these last eight years proving to myself that I can do this. When I was younger, I used to tell myself to just keep moving forward and don’t worry about anything else. Things fell into place with hard work and dedication. Now, I have a family to care for and I feel the weight of my choices and pray that I’m the only one who suffers if there is a consequence. So, I think I’ll always feel an undercurrent of anxiety but I’m adding in excitement and gratitude. Excitement for the possibilities and gratitude for the work that I’ve already done. My family, my mom, grandma, husband, and kids believe in me unconditionally. My friends are the best as well. I am surrounded by a group of very talented therapists and creatives who support me in any way they can. I’m not alone and I have plenty of reminders that keep me focused on achieving my goals. When I begin to feel doubt, I turn up the volume on their voices and turn down fear and anxiety!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice focuses on working with romantic relationships. We work with all romantic relationships. I also provide specialized treatment to support your relationship and help you with the spark that reminds you of why you are working so hard to stay connected. We provide relationship therapy that can treat communication struggles, conflict, new additions to the family, sexual concerns, parenting support, trauma, infidelity, amongst other issues that can interrupt your connection. We offer comprehensive care for the foundation of the family; your partnership. I am proud that we can offer specialized treatments for your partnership or you as the individual. We are a black female owned business. I am currently working on creating opportunities for students to come and learn how to work with a diverse population and make sure our clients are represented in our clinical staff. It is important for clients to have a therapist that represents them and it is just as important that a therapist is able to learn in an environment and with clients that represent their community and culture, too. This practice is my way of being an active participant in my community while giving back. I was born and raised in KC; this is where I am rooted!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My marriage serves as my inspiration and why I love romantic relationships so much. I have been with my husband since I was 17 years old. We have been together 29 years this year. My clients often ask me if it is possible to keep that spark from when you first meet your partner. I am a living testament that the spark can last as long as you work to keep it ignited. I’m just as excited about him today as I was when we first met. We are intentional about our connection. Our love isn’t perfect or without hurts. The reason my own relationship inspires me is because I get to sit with integrity with my clients as I work with them to find or nurture their spark. Every story is different and we have to realize our world is created in dualities. Everything we chase after in this life holds hands with things we are trying to avoid. Love holds hands with hurt. I guide my clients through the work and help them to heal the hurt and honor the love. Love = courage + work
Pricing:
- Licensed clinician- $150 per session
- Pre-licensed clinician- $75-100
- Student therapist- sliding scale $15-50
- Scholarships available with student therapists where the fee is waived
- Sessions can be paid with your HSA/FSA cards. You can also submit claims to your insurance company in order to get reimbursed at the out-of-network rate for seeing therapists that are out-of-network. You don’t have to be limited to just the therapists that take insurance, you can see the provider that best fits your needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stoddardfamilytherapy.clientsecure.me
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stoddardfamilytherapy/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/352287
