Kaitlin Certo, LMHC
It’s complicated to be a person. Trying to balance everything in our lives can be challenging and overwhelming. We need to take a step back from time to time to figure out what we’re thinking and feeling before we can decide what to do. The bright side is we are not supposed to figure out life alone! That’s why I am here – to validate your feelings, offer another point of view, challenge your thinking and help you develop the confidence to make decisions about your own life. In therapy, I can also help you increase your awareness of the connection between mind, body and spirit which is fundamental to helping you manage your life from a place of personal empowerment.
I’m driven by enthusiasm and authenticity. I believe that everyone is doing the best they are capable of at any given moment; that we all have an innate desire to change or improve. By meeting you where you’re at, I’ll help you learn the necessary skills and give you the encouragement needed to gain a stronger sense of self, stability and balance. By blending Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction techniques we can create a one-of-a-kind therapeutic journey and guide you in becoming an active participant in your life!
Professional Experience
I’m passionate about helping teenagers and young adults overcome obstacles and make the changes they want during this challenging and confusing time in their lives. I discovered my love for working with this population at a short-term residential substance use treatment center for adolescents during graduate school at William James College in Boston, MA. This amazing experience led me to a once in a lifetime position as a counselor at a secure juvenile detention treatment center for teenage girls in Western Massachusetts. After taking some time away from the mental health field to allow myself to grow and for life to teach me about gratitude, grace and humility, I returned at the beginning of 2020 at a time that I was to quickly realize was crucial for me to be working with others in need of support. For the past few years I counseled adults and adolescents in the Buffalo area with diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and mental health challenges. My experiences combined with continuous self-exploration allow me to be a resourceful therapist who’s ready for anything!
My areas of experience include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, substance use, self-esteem, Borderline Personality Disorder, self-harm, suicidal ideation, interpersonal relationships, school stressors, LGBTQIA+ challenges and sleep issues. I offer sessions in office and via telehealth so when you are ready to reach out for the support you deserve please call me and we’ll figure out how I can help!
