Clinician Spotlight: An Interview with Kaitlyn Hall, LMHCBy Lauren Chapin, LICSW
Welcome to Castlebrook’s Clinician Spotlight series where I sit down with some of our wonderful therapists for a cozy conversation about work, mental health, and many life tidbits in between! This month, I had the opportunity to get to know Kaitlyn Hall, LMHC who has been a therapist at Castlebrook since 2021. Kaitlyn and I discussed her journey to private practice, her love of research, and her favorite hobby outside of work (which may surprise you!). Lauren: Hi Kaitlyn! Welcome back to the office! Let’s get started with some background on your experience. How long have you been with Castlebrook now? Kaitlyn: I reached out to Kerrie (Executive Director) right after I got licensed in October 2020 and was working in the office by January 2021. So this January, it will be three years! Lauren: What was it about Castlebrook that initially drew you to the practice? Kaitlyn: Well, I met Kerrie while I was in graduate school, actually. I went to Becker College (before it closed) and they had a brand new Masters in Counseling program with a concentration in DBT. The other option was school counseling, and since I knew that I didn’t want to work in a school, I picked the DBT program, and it ended up working out excellently. I had the opportunity to shadow a couple of Kerrie’s groups during my first year and I just thought, “Who is this rockstar? How does she get people to participate and actually enjoy it?” Then in my second year, I had the chance to co-lead with Kerrie and really got to know the DBT curriculum. I emailed her after graduation once I was independently licensed and here we are! Lauren: Is DBT still a main focus of yours? Kaitlyn: Yes. I’ve been trying to make DBT work for my clients, if that makes sense. I still practice full protocol DBT to fidelity as instructed by Marsha Linehan, but I also like to adapt it. I have speciality training in treating individuals with eating disorders and there has been so much evidence that shows DBT can really benefit somebody with an eating disorder. Also, with athletes, there’s research coming to light now about the mental health issues and pressures that competitive and elite athletes face, and I've been trying to see how I can use DBT for that population as well. I try not to force it on any clients, but it’s so easily adaptable that I can kind of sprinkle it in there. Lauren: What parts of DBT have you found are helpful for folks who are experiencing eating disorders? Kaitlyn: Definitely the mindfulness piece. As the foundation of DBT, everybody could benefit from being more mindful in their daily life. With an eating disorder, so many things take you out of the present moment. One intervention the eating disorder community uses with clients is trying to externalize the eating disorder. You give it a name, give it a voice, and it’s something separate from yourself. I think mindfulness can really help us do that in order to not only stay present, but to have this separate entity that’s not us; we’re not defined by it. Other applications are to utilize emotional regulation and distress tolerance while trying to decrease/reduce eating disorder behaviors. It’s incredibly stressful for the client and these foundational interventions come in handy with that! Lauren: I wonder, when it comes to athletes, are they primed to be receptive to mindfulness because of how singularly focused they need to be during a game? Kaitlyn: Oh yeah. Well, I think mindfulness is a great reminder for them to not only stay in the game, but stay out of it when they need to step away. I was just reading an article about how mindfulness helps with both their performance and the recovery after, mentally and physically. It emphasized the mind-body connection, trying to avoid injury, and healing. I find it so cool, I’m a huge research nerd. I love learning about new things that are coming out in the field. Lauren: Tell me more about the research with athletes! Kaitlyn: I keep coming back to it. They did an excellent job making the connection between athletes and DBT. They broke it down by DBT modules: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Then, they went through each of those sections and discussed where it could be applied to athletes and their experiences, almost like a manual. Lauren: So you use DBT with different populations, you work with folks experiencing eating disorders, what else do you fold into your practice? Kaitlyn: I try to fold in creative outlets. I originally got my bachelor’s in liberal arts, super basic, because I had a feeling that I was going to go into kind of an eclectic counseling practice. I actually went to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn for creative arts therapy where I studied for about a year before deciding to come back to Massachusetts to finish with a masters in counseling. I learned so many valuable therapeutic interventions during that year using art and movement. I try to utilize that as much as possible, especially combined with mindfulness. There are many clients that come in and say, “I don’t want to do deep breathing,” and you have to say, “Well, A., deep breathing is great [laughs], and B., we can do so many other things that are mindful that have nothing to do with breath work!” I find that art is one way to do that. Lauren: You’ve talked about the population you normally work with, can you share a bit more? Kaitlyn: I predominantly work with adults, but sometimes will make an exception depending on what’s going on with a referral I might get for a kiddo. I do enjoy a lot of the young adult work and the transition into adulthood/coming of age stuff that happens that nobody prepares us for. The second puberty; we all went through it, nobody really helps us with it. I’ve also had a lot of clients with ADHD, or suspecting they might have it. That’s ending up being a commonality with a lot of my young adults. Lauren: It sounds like you work with some clients who are especially emotionally vulnerable. How do you try to foster a safe, non-judgmental space around that? Kaitlyn: I try to have as much of a “no-pressure” approach as possible. I do point out that sometimes [therapy] can be weird, unique, and also quite difficult. I let them know that I’m on their team and the nonjudgmental stance that DBT really strives for right at the beginning is trying to constantly remind them of that. It could take a year for someone to really buy into the fact that they’re really not being judged. Other therapists and providers may have heard something “scary” in a session and reacted to that, but a DBT therapist is not going to think it’s scary. That can be a game changer for a lot of clients. Sometimes clients think, especially when they first disclose a suicidal thought, that they will be sent straight to the hospital. Trust has to be built around that. Lauren: I can see how that would make a space feel safer, to have an informed conversation around what the safest route would be. Outside of work, what are some of the things that bring you joy? Kaitlyn: I kickbox. I’ve been boxing for four years, and I teach classes occasionally. That balance is important. Every one of us needs to box at least once in their life in order to realize how effective it is. The other thing I like to do is crafting, that’s always been a great outlet for me. Lauren: What’s your favorite metaphor, saying, or phrase that you use a lot in your practice that you could share? Kaitlyn: It’s not an original by me. DBT is based on the BioSocial Theory, and some of us are just wired differently. We’re wired to be more sensitive, and when that’s paired with a social environment that’s invalidating or unsupportive, it’s a recipe for disaster. Crayola makes a dinky little box of 8 crayons, and then they make these big boxes of 64. Some have glitter, funny names, and that’s just how some of us who are more sensitive are with our emotions. We have a big box of 64 emotions at any given moment and that’s a lot to balance. And kind of amazing that we have that many to choose from in our daily life (metallic teal, anyone?) and that we can experience such a range. Lauren: Is there anything that we didn’t go over that you’d want a potential client to know? Kaitlyn: That reaching out to engage in therapy, in any way, is huge. That takes so much courage. It’s a huge step in somebody's life and not enough people give themselves credit for that. If you’re reading this and thinking about filling out the form on our website, go for it! It might be the most positive thing you do today. At the time of this blog post, Kaitlyn is accepting new clients. Please fill out the intake form on our website or call our intake coordinator at 508-475-9110 x2 to inquire.
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DBT Group for Gender Nonconforming YouthBy McKenzie Sheridan, MA
Are you tired of feeling lost and alone in a world that doesn't seem to understand you? Yearning for a place where you can freely be yourself, without judgment or fear? Look no further, my friend, for our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy group for gender nonconforming youth is here to guide you on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and empowerment! In the midst of this daunting and often treacherous path, we offer you an oasis of hope and recovery. More than a group, we are a vibrant community of kindred spirits, united by our shared experiences and unwavering determination to overcome the obstacles we face. Together, we will forge sturdy bonds of trust and understanding, creating a sanctuary where you will flourish and thrive. Developed by a self-identifying Queer DBT therapist, this exceptional program has been crafted to cater specifically to the unique needs of the trans and non-binary community. With an abundance of empathy and compassion, our therapists devote themselves wholeheartedly to promoting mental wellness, supporting you every step of the way on your courageous journey. The effectiveness of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is undeniable. DBT offers hope to individuals affected by severe depression and mood disorders, providing much-needed support during challenging times. DBT also offers healing to those affected by post-traumatic stress, gently and directly addressing the emotional scars that impact one's well-being. Through this transformative therapeutic approach, you will acquire invaluable skills to not only survive the darkest and difficult moments, but to truly embrace a life worth living. This group will allow you to find solace among peers who understand your struggles intimately and join a community that stands proudly alongside you. Together, we will break free from the confines of society's expectations, celebrating our beautifully diverse identities with unapologetic joy. In this space, your voice will be valued, your fears will be respected, and your dreams will be nurtured. I extend an invitation to you to join our DBT group specifically designed for gender-nonconforming youth. Embrace this opportunity to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, surrounded by individuals who share similar experiences and stories. Together, we will unleash the transformative power of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and pave the way to a brighter, more authentic future. Clinician Spotlight: An Interview with Jessica Levesque, MA By Lauren Chapin, LICSWWelcome to the sixth installment of Clinician Spotlight, a series where I sit down with some of our wonderful therapists for a cozy conversation about work, mental health, and many life tidbits in between. Last week, I was pleased to meet our newest clinician, Jessica Levesque, MA. Please join me in welcoming Jessica to the Castlebrook team where she is excited to utilize play therapy in her work with children. She also discusses the importance of having fun in session, her passion for holistic care, and how she incorporates play into her own life.
******** Lauren: Hi Jessica, it’s great to meet you! Thank you for taking the time to tell me about yourself. I know that part of your background is school based counseling, what led you to private practice? Jessica: Yes! Actually, while counseling is part of my school based work at a specialist level as a licensed psychologist, I also have a significant special education background, working collectively with Speech Pathologists, BCBA, and Occupational therapists. I’ve always wanted to do some private practice on the side while working in schools. Now that my kids are older, I finally have the opportunity to do that. I’ve been practicing for about 20 years, and I feel like I have a good amount of tools in the toolbox to give back. Lauren: Which tools will you be able to utilize at Castlebrook that you aren’t able to in a school setting? Jessica: While the school setting doesn’t always offer the opportunity to delve deeper into children’s issues, I am looking forward to private practice filling that gap by allowing my clients to work through those things with me in the moment instead of needing to refer out. The community setting will also enable me to help kids more holistically since I can have more direct parent involvement which improves treatment outcomes. Lauren: You mention that you’ve been practicing for 20 years. Has that always been with kids? Jessica: Not necessarily. While I was in school, I began my training with adults who had significant mental health needs. Following this experience, I thought maybe I’d like to try working with kids instead, and I started working with the young autistic population and as a preschool teacher. I found that I really liked the younger ages, and eventually, began working in my most recent role as a specialist level licensed psychologist in schools. Fast forward to the last five years, I’ve noticed an increase in trauma responsiveness in the schools and have had the opportunity to build my skill set through both this trauma work and DBT training. After these years of experience, I feel I am now at a point in my career where I feel comfortable taking on a change in setting to make an even bigger impact. For me, the most rewarding part of this job is when people feel like they have more of a handle on things and feel better about themselves. Lauren: It’s definitely necessary now in the current landscape where there is a shortage of clinicians who specialize in working with children. Jessica: Absolutely. Sometimes even teachers are floored at the increasing level of challenges children are facing, understanding their ever-evolving mental health needs, and the wait lists for treatment. Lauren: I bet! You mentioned being trauma informed, do you feel as if you’re leaning towards working with trauma as a specialty or do you have other interests as well? Jessica: I guess there are multiple answers to that question. Historically, I've done individual therapy and small group therapy utilizing curriculums such as social thinking and zones of regulation for children on the autism spectrum. Potentially, I’d like to run a weekend group for neurodiverse children who may have an autism spectrum disorder or challenges with social communication and have a need for understanding their social world, managing their emotions, and improving their executive functioning. I primarily work with children from around age three, preschool, to age 13, eighth grade. I also work with children who experience mood dysregulation of negative affect or anger control, anxiousness or depression, and other related issues, including selective mutism. The majority of my approach is based in cognitive behavior therapy, but I also have done some work with both art therapy and, as a result of DBT training, mindfulness. With kids, I think it’s important to use a lot of visual support and hands-on activities. Lauren: What would be an example of that? Jessica: For a more hands-on approach, I started delving into somatic work and utilized movement to help kids regulate, especially kids who were resistant to treatment due to trauma. I tried having kids use a percussion drum to feel the vibrations in their body and that worked really well. For me, it’s all about utilizing a strengths-based approach to find what works for them. It’s not going to be effective if they just come in and don’t talk. Understanding emotions can be difficult for children. They don’t have the vocabulary yet to express themselves verbally, so trying to process feelings mentally and physically is overwhelming. When they’re ready, I help them label what emotion they are feeling and recognize how it shows up in their body. I also use bibliotherapy to help with big emotions. Lauren: I love that. What’s your go-to book series? Jessica: I love the Lori Lite series. She covers a lot of coping skills. For example, “Sea Otter Cove” is about deep breathing and “Angry Octopus” focuses on progressive muscle relaxation. I’ve also found things over the years that coincide with these books, like puppets, so I can utilize a multi-faceted approach with these lessons. Kids need to have fun and it has to be kind of imaginative like using a hula hoop to symbolize personal space. Another series I've been liking is “What Should Danny Do?” by Adir Levi. This series utilizes the idea of having “the power to choose” and helps kids use their coping skills and social skills to decide what they would do in certain situations. Lauren: I’ll have to check those out! Speaking of fun, what are some of the things you do to have fun outside of the play therapy room? Jessica: I paint. At home, I’ll do paint by numbers but I’ve also been doing painting classes as well for about two years now. I’m looking forward to trying a pottery class, too. I like to hike and am part of two hiking clubs. I also like to camp with my family and do other family activities. Spirituality is important to me and I incorporate a lot of mindfulness into my day. I love watching the sunset, sunrise, and listening to the birds. Lauren: That sounds like the perfect way to unwind. Thank you, Jessica, for chatting with me. I’m looking forward to supporting you and the work you do at Castlebrook! |
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Mission Statement
Castlebrook Counseling Services, Inc. is a group of private practice clinicians with a shared goal of strengthening our community by providing therapy and clinical support designed for children, adults, and families to successfully meet life’s challenges.