Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Leikam.
Katie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I graduated from a small town in Georgia, that was not very progressive, but I always had a progressive heart and mind. I have been to therapy myself before and realized that when I had a therapist, it was great when they guided me to the solutions I needed to make my own choices for myself.
After attending undergraduate school at Georgia State University, I moved to Athens, GA to pursue my master’s in social work. While I was there, I had my first job in social work over 14 years ago. I also fell in love with town and learned much more about arts, culture and self-expression and stayed for 11 years. It was in Athens, I began my life as a therapist and originally I worked in people’s homes with children, teens and families. This allowed me to really meet my clients where they were coming from and have a greater understanding of therapeutic needs from a whole person perspective.
I moved to Atlanta and after working with hospice for a bit, upon receiving my LCSW, I opened a private practice with the purpose to work with gender identity in the most affirming way possible. I’ve been a close ally of the community since 2011 beginning in Athens, and moving to Atlanta and national levels. I know that access to affirming care shouldn’t be guarded, and people need to be who they really are. I continue my education through national conferences such as The Philadelphia Trans Health Conference and World Professional Association of Transgender Health conferences. I am in the process of becoming WPATH certified as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course. It hasn’t always been a smooth road and I think that helps me as a therapist. Some of the things I struggled with include choosing to identify as a secular therapist, living in Athens while attending graduate school, and learning self-care to be able to do the work I do.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a private mental health practice working with individuals, familes and couples that are transgender, gender fluid and Agender as well as the LGBTQIA community. I am known for working with clients through transitioning genders and self-exploration of gender identity as well as working with families and couples to assist with communication and acceptance. I think something that sets me apart as a gender therapist, is that clients don’t have to convince me of their identity. I see clients who have concerns with things like depression, anxiety, perfectionism and offer solutions to issues at work, home and with family.
When a potential client reaches out to me, it’s me that will answer the phone or return the call or email. Confidentiality and a solid therapeutic relationship with good communication is key for me.
I also accept insurance and offer video counseling throughout GA including groups. I also offer group therapy and support in person and via video as well as work with other therapists to learn more about gender identity.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, I know I am successful because of what I have overcome to get to my goal of helping others. I have a successful private practice and am able to have time for my family, friends and community. I feel successful when I love what I do, but allow myself to understand that everything has challenges. Being flexible in my goals and kind to myself shows me I am successful.
Contact Info:
- Address: 315 W. Ponce De Leon Ave.
Suite 546
Decatur, GA 30030 - Website: www.katieleikam.com
- Phone: 404-948-6186
- Email: katie@katieleikam.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieleikam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katieleikamlcsw/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/katie_lcsw
- Other: https://katieleikam.com/blog/
Image Credit:
Katie Leikam
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