Bio

Kathleen Gettelfinger, LMFT. I received extensive training in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, also commonly known as systemic therapy, from The Family Institute at Northwestern University. After completing my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, I spent two years there as a Clinical Fellow before transitioning to the role of Staff Clinician. These experiences have given me a strong clinical foundation that informs my work today in private practice.

A Little About Me and My Work

The heartbeat of my practice is ‘creating change today.’ For me, this is so much more than a tagline; it’s my life’s work. Partnering with you to create the change you want in your life is my mission, and it is my great honor to help inspire transformation. I was drawn to serve in the field of therapy by my belief in its power and by a sense that I could truly help effect change and care for people through it. Since change is the desire of each client that walks through my door, I embrace this joint venture with compassion and dedication by equipping and empowering you to navigate difficulties and emerge healthier and more joyful in the seasons to come. From that foundation, together we can work toward cultivating a lifestyle of personal growth and transformation.

A Holistic Approach

Your optimal wellness isn’t one dimensional; it’s systemic, a full 360-degree perspective. Since every relationship and each part of your life story plays a vital role in your overall wellness, I take into account all aspects of you as a person and your life. This methodology draws heavily from my foundation in the systemic approach of Marriage and Family Therapy. Not just for couples and families, this form of therapy places an emphasis on the relationships between persons rather than placing blame on any one individual. It also emphasizes the importance and influence of your family, community, and culture, among other outside systems. This is the vantage point from which I view wholeness and wellness, a panoramic view if you will. It’s also very effective for helping my clients to move through challenges and transitions in life.

Education & Qualifications

After completing my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, I spent two years there as a Clinical Fellow before transitioning to the role of Staff Clinician. The additional two years added depth and breadth to my knowledge and afforded me the ability to guide many meaningful client journeys, which have given me a strong clinical foundation that informs my work even today. Witnessing transformations with such a wide variety of clients for over a decade has enabled me to garner even deeper wisdom and insight into how best to help people move through transitions in life.

Specialized Training

I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapy that facilitates healing from the distress of traumatic memories and experiences.  Together, we can determine if this is right for you.