Rising Stars: Meet Katherine Scott of Jacksonville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Scott.

Hi Katherine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The perplexities of the human mind have always been a source of curiosity. Growing up as an only child surrounded by a monotony of adults and different dynamics, I found myself a consistent observer of people’s patterns. I was raised by fierce nurturers, so I knew I wanted to do something that made a helpful impact. I jumped into college at UF with the dream of becoming a Physical Therapist, however the utter disaster that was Chemistry 1 dissolved that dream. Coincidentally, I had taken a developmental psychology course the same semester of the disaster, and as corny as it may seem, it was life-changing. From that moment I leapt into the major of Psychology, and a minor in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, despite opinions that the degree would not lead anywhere. I soaked up the knowledge from those classes with too much gumption, and accidently graduated a year early, With no clue where this psychology degree could lead me, I took on a role as a Language Therapy Technician at a location coined ‘The Morris Center’. Here I helped those with dyslexia and learning difficulties learn to read and write, while also having delightful exposure to many different realms including Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Psychologists, and Neuropsychologists. This year granted me the gift of learning that I loved being a part of people’s journeys toward healing. Another leap geared me toward earning my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Florida. Through some twists and turns, I joyfully found my landing place at a Private Practice lovingly known as Puzzle Peace Counseling in Jacksonville, FL. Here, I am the lead Marriage and Family Therapist and assistant clinical director. Our niche is offering mental health support to folks with Neurodiversity and their families. I am also a Level 1 Gottman Methods Couples certified therapist, and author of a social-emotional children’s book, The ‘Tail’ of a Trio.

Healing is an incredible phenomenon which is remarkably complex. I believe we as people are made up by the mind, the body, and the soul. Sometimes, experiences in our lives can affect one, two, or even all three of these means of vitality. Luckily, I also believe we can find healing and growth from these. Experiences are ways we can reconnect our mind, body, and soul while helping ourselves become ‘unstuck’.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth having ever comes easy, or at least that is the saying that plays in my head when I run across an obstacle. Without the struggle I would have never found the beauty in all the unusual places along my journey. For example, I completely failed Chemistry in undergrad. While at the time it threw me into an existential crisis, this struggle pivoted me toward a career in psychology as I changed my major shortly after. I unexpectedly graduated with my bachelors early, leaving me with a B.S. in Psychology and no direct path toward an independent career. Because of this, I found the courage to take a gap year and work as a Language Therapy Technician at The Morris Center. Here I worked alongside a multidisciplinary team to aid adults and children with dyslexia. Without this opportunity, I would not have had the space to explore different facets of the ‘helpers’ community and discover my passion for being alongside people through their hardships. Without struggle, there is little growth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the lead Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Assistant Clinical Director at a private practice lovingly known as Puzzle Peace Counseling. Here, my niche is Autism and broad Neurodiversity. I focus my clinical skills toward Neuro-affirming couples counseling, Autism, high masking adult women, grief, OCD, family issues, Anxiety, and ADHD. Additionally, I serve my community as an educational advocate by attending meeting with families to secure 504 and IEP education plans to better ensure an adaptive and inclusive learning environment.

My authenticity sets me apart. I have a unique way of approaching healing within the therapy room. While I remain aligned to my theoretical orientation, I do not pressure my therapeutic approaches to fit within one line of intervention. Instead, I prioritize the needs and language of the client or family system. Every person and subsystem exists within a unique perspective and narrative. I mindfully take time to immerse myself within the inner workings of one’s inner dialogue to appropriately treatment plan. I also recognize that the client knows themselves best. I identify my role as the passenger seat rider, giving the client (the main driver) different perspectives or navigations to exercise to see if one feels better. Through this approach, empowerment blossoms as people of all ages explore granting themselves permission to hear their own voice without the distractions of the outside world. It’s pretty miraculous to witness. I am humbled by each journey I am able to be a part of.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can contact me through the information found on our website. I am a practicing clinician licensed in the state of Florida. I also maintain a blog that captures tid bits and tangents from both sides of the therapist chair. You can find me on instagram, @katthecounselor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katthecounselor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katthecounselor/