Kaitlin Certo, LMHC-D
Life can feel overwhelming, and you’re not meant to figure it all out alone. Therapy offers a chance to slow down, explore what’s really going on, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want. As a client-centered, trauma-informed therapist, I bring curiosity, compassion, and a sense of realistic optimism to every session. My approach is warm and down-to-earth, meeting you where you are while gently challenging you to step outside your comfort zone when the time is right. Together, we’ll work on developing practical skills, deepening self-awareness, and building stronger connections with yourself and others.
Professional Experience
I specialize in helping teenagers (15+) and young adults navigate life’s challenges, including mood and eating disorders, substance use, self-harm, school-related stressors, relationship difficulties, and the unique hurdles of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, I support clients with self-esteem struggles, and anxiety and depression. My approach incorporates Progressive Counting for trauma work, alongside a foundation in evidence-based therapies like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. I tailor therapy to each person’s unique needs and goals, with a focus on building practical skills and promoting lasting change.
My path as a therapist began at William James College in Boston, MA, where I earned my graduate degree and worked at a short-term residential substance use treatment center for adolescents. I later became a counselor at a secure juvenile detention treatment center for teenage girls in Western Massachusetts—a role that deepened my passion for working with this population. After stepping away to grow both personally and professionally, I returned to the mental health field and have since been counseling adolescents and adults in the Buffalo area.
I understand that being human is complicated, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you learn to be present with yourself and others. We’ll work to create meaningful change and help you live authentically, with a little humor along the way. Let’s take the next step forward, together.
