Kate Ernstrom, MSW, LCSW

I am a psychotherapist and Director of Clinical Services at Wildflower.  I work with individuals who want to develop a more fulfilling, values-driven approach to life.  My areas of specialty include mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and complex trauma responses, life transitions, identity concerns, and stress stemming from facing life’s many uncertainties. I enjoy seeing individuals, couples, and families.

Psychotherapy works best when a collaborative and trusting relationship serves as its foundation. This is what I aim to foster with all my clients.  I use humor to connect while creating a safe and validating therapeutic space in order to explore vulnerable topics. You can expect to gain new perspectives and skills in psychotherapy with me which will enable you to make the changes you want to see in your life. I guide my clients towards discovering their own voice — their authentic self — so they can create a life truly worth living.

I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Cornell University and my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago.  I have extensive training in treating mood and anxiety disorders as well as trauma through evidenced-based practices. I draw on many theories and approaches, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to help facilitate personal growth and sustainable change.

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Pronouns

she/her/hers

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Selected training and affiliation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trainings
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trainings
Gottman Training Level 1 for Couples Therapy
Trauma Stewardship Training
Exposure Response Prevention Training
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

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Key beliefs

Emotions are messengers just waiting to be heard.
We are doing the best we can, and we can always work to do better.
Lean into the discomfort, and ask yourself: “What is there to learn here?”

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More about me

I am an avid reader, and am always looking for my next great read.
I used to live in the Pacific NW, and feel the most at home and at peace in nature.
Hot coffee, a warm fireplace, comfy blankets, and cold rainy days – these are a few of my favorite things.