Hidden Gems: Meet Kate Upton of Kate Upton Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Upton.

Hi Kate, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My anxiety came online at a really young age, sometime in late pre-school or early elementary school. Mr. Rogers taught us to always “look for the helpers” and it was in second grade when I realized that there was a whole field of people dedicated to helping people like me and that these people completely understood what was going on in brains like mine. That maybe I wasn’t actually going to have to feel this way forever. I wanted to be involved in any and every way possible and my life’s dream started to form clearly in my mind. When I moved into the apartment I lived in during graduate school and was weeding out/sorting through old things, I even found a drawing I made in the that year of my future “Physology Office.”

In high school, I was able to start seeing a therapist and my whole world changed. I learned all about anxiety, and armed with the knowledge and understanding of what was happening in my brain, I felt calmer, braver, and more open. I learned coping skills and how to not hold my anxious thoughts so closely. I learned that having anxiety didn’t mean that I couldn’t also be joyful, curious, and courageous–I could have anxiety and also love my life. People had always told me that I was too young to know for sure that I wanted to be a therapist when I grew up, but after starting my own journey as a client I knew there was no other career path that would suit me as well.

As I enter my seventh year of practice, I still feel beyond lucky to get to do a job that I love so very much. I have always been a people person to my core, and I get to sit with incredible people all day every day, listening to their stories and figuring out how to help them feel better. I think my younger self would be proud.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have a solo private practice where I provide individual talk therapy to adolescents, young adults, and adults. I work with clients experiencing a wide array of issues and concerns not limited to but including anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidality. I believe that walking alongside my clients with warmth, compassion, and empathy is one of the most (if not THE most) essential components of my job and do best with clients looking to form a genuine connection and trust.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Oh I love this question. So many things!! I would say I’m overall a pretty happy camper. The things that make me the most happy in life are my husband, Miller, and my dog, Molly. People in general make me happy–I am so fortunate to have incredible friends and family. It makes me happy to travel, read, crochet/craft in general, play cozy video hames, drink good coffee, and walk my dog.

Pricing:

• $170/session
• I offer free 10-15 minute phone consultations before booking

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kateuptoncounseling.com

Image Credits
Eve Yarbrough