Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Whitley.
Hi Kate, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I thought I wanted to be a doctor for as long as I could remember. I was even picking out medical schools to attend my freshman year of high school I was so set! When I was 15 years old my dad completed suicide, and to make meaning out of the experience I thought my path was going to be psychiatry. I felt so convicted! I remember sitting in General Chemistry my first year of college and struggling so hard–my dream of becoming a doctor was over as quickly as it had began. One of my best friends was working in a psychology lab at school helping conduct and synthesize research. That was the first time I learned about stages of mental health and started to ask myself tough questions about what I wanted from my career. I discovered the field of counseling and knew that was the path for me. Grad school solidified this for me, and I fell in love with the profession on day 1. I’ve worked in pretty much every setting of mental health that you can be in: inpatient, PHP/IOP, nonprofit, private group practice, and now, for myself. I came into this field to save myself and others who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, but I’ve stayed in the field for the lifelong learning, deep connections, and continued thirst for knowledge about myself, others, and the world around us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say some times were smoother than others. My fiance has told me before he’s jealous that I have such a conviction for what I do, and to that, I say that the trauma to therapist pipeline is REAL! I was the first person in my family (excluding my late father) to go to college, so I had to figure all of that out on my own and have student loans to make my education possible. Applying for graduate school was difficult because I didn’t believe I would find a program that I truly loved until I found Texas Woman’s University. Graduate school was one of the best times of my life, but also incredibly rigorous. There was a point where I was working part time as a receptionist at a group practice while also going to school full time AND seeing about 10 clients per week in addition to this. It’s been a struggle since graduation to find my perfect fit in the counseling world, and at times I questioned whether or not it was meant for me. Becoming a business owner has been the best remedy for my woes and has filled me with confidence I never knew was possible!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sunnyside Counseling PLLC?
Sunnyside Counseling is a counseling private practice that is owned and operated by me, Kate Whitley. I specialize in trauma-informed care and am EMDR Certified/Consultant-in-training, DBT trained, and IFS informed. I office out of Revolve Wellness Collective in Dallas at Preston Center (Owned by Ryan Rodriguez, JD, LPC of Monarch Society Wellness). Clients typically seek me out to process childhood sexual abuse/abuse in general, sexual trauma, relationship issues, and self esteem work. I am so proud of my ability to create relationships and help people feel safe and seen in order to help them on their healing journey. I named my practice after my Golden Retriever, Sunny! One of the things I am most proud of for Sunnyside is that it stands for finding the sunny side of life. Trauma and pain can completely take away a person’s ability to plan for the future and believe that there is a life worth living out there. I love that I can be a person who can sit with others in their pain, validate it, and help them find the tools they need to live a life they never thought could be possible for them. Trauma really translates to an “overwhelming life experience,” and I think that’s something a lot of people can resonate with. I want the readers to know how much I care about this field and profession and that Sunnyside is always here to offer a safe space when things feel like too much or hope has run out and they don’t know where to go. I love to describe therapy with this metaphor: Imagine you are hiking and you need assistance navigating the terrain. You pick me up like the hitchhiker I am, and we go through all of the peaks and valleys together while I show you tools I have and you get to take what serves you. Eventually, you will feel equipped to navigate more than you ever thought possible, so you drop me off. I also offer EMDR consultations for therapists who are wanting to be certified in EMDR, and with being a consultant-in-training, I am working toward being able to offer trainings for therapists to learn EMDR for the first time. Additionally, I am SO proud of the office space where I see my clients. Ryan Rodriguez has curated the most loving, calm, uplifting, and empowering space to grow as a clinician and offer clients the best care possible. Ryan has been a crucial part of my success as a private practice owner and practitioner!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think one thing that might surprise people is knowing that I also struggle myself and am PROUD to be a therapist who goes to therapy. I have diagnoses of PTSD, ADHD, Depression, and anxiety, so I humble myself every single week and sit in the same position my clients do. This is my best form of continuing education, and it also empowers me to lead people into really tough places because I’ve done the same thing. “You can only lead people as far as you’re willing to go yourself.” I take myself into the deepest and scariest places in my system to bring shame to light and work with all of my parts to show them love, compassion, empathy, and healing.
Pricing:
- Initial Intake Session- $200
- Psychotherapy, 50 min- $200
- EMDR Consultation (therapists only)- $75
- Public Speaking Opportunities
Contact Info:
Image Credits
The Hundred Dollar Headshot, Ryan Rodriguez, Jennifer Shotwell
