About Me
Kathryn Chacra focuses on helping adults, adolescents, and parents manage issues related to mental health, medical trauma, grief, and life transitions. She builds a relationship that allows you to share your story in a way that feels safe, accessible, and worthy of your time. She helps you organize your thoughts and feelings into a plan of action for real quality of life.
What was your path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
It was over two decades ago when I walked into a classroom at the University of Texas - Austin School of Social Work and realized I was meant to be a helper in this life. My deep feeling mind and my logical mind had finally found a common ground in behavioral science and helping others with their emotions and thought patterns toward improved overall wellbeing. I could think of no better life to live than one filled with helping beautifully-made humans remember their worth and their intrinsic gifts for themselves and their relationships. I was so hungry for more knowledge and more research and it was evident I would always view myself as a helper. Even today, when my children ask about my job, I emphasize that I help my clients. I do not save my clients; they are the capable beings who I am honored to guide back to their paths in life.
What should someone know about working with you?
I really value the expertise of my clients in telling their stories. I want to bring to the table an abundance of clinical knowledge, including techniques and strategies, but I want my clients to feel that they are the ultimate authors of their stories despite any plot twists that may have happened. Mental health challenges, pain, chronic illness, grief, and caregiving are at the core of humanity and I am here to bear witness to the tremendous strength of my clients. The initial appointment involves completing an interview that allows me to know your story without preconceived notions. We also complete a standardized, short assessment that we will repeat every four sessions to make sure this is worth your time, money, and effort. We are in this together; no one needs to problem-solve alone. We will change our plans if need be, but we will not stop searching for the next best step for you.
How will therapy help?
If we use the metaphor of a puzzle, we may begin to see how therapy can help us. First, we need to remove all the pieces and organize them. Then, we can start to fit them into a larger picture that makes sense to us. We’ll go piece by piece without rushing, judging, or forcing anything that does not fit organically together. The conversation with me will allow you to examine your thoughts safely while I help you understand larger patterns, human behavior, and the effects of mental health on our choices. This conversation is different from one with a family member or friend because I will carry you in my thoughts even after our session. I will engage in research on whatever topic interests you, identify resources to help your growth, and always ask for your feedback on how I am meeting your needs. I will accept you as you are right now, beautifully complex and uniquely gifted, even as you may be changing course and seeking to start a new chapter in your story.
Specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Grief
- Parenting issues
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Eating disorders , Anger management , Self esteem , Bipolar disorder , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Attachment Issues , Cancer , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Services Offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
LCSW #40152 (Expires: 2023-03-31)
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Kathryn Chacra. We don’t pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Kathryn is easy to talk with and, through her kindness, understanding, and helpful resources/exercises, I've reconnect with my inner wisdom.
Kathryn has been an enormous support! She listens attentively and advices me with information that I am able to incorporate into my life in order to improve my mental health.
She’s the best
I have been so happy with Kathryn as my therapist. She very quickly helped me feel comfortable in opening up, and I can see her main goal is helping me reach my goals. She provides amazing insight as well as extra resources for me as I work on bettering myself. I feel like I can share anything with her and she is always understanding, and willing to share insight when I need it.
I really benefit from talking with Kathryn. She listens and seems to say just the right thing to help me.