Kathy Ritz
Practicum Student Therapist
Kathy Ritz is a compassionate counselor dedicated to partnering with clients on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. With a passion for igniting positive change, she empowers individuals to navigate challenges, uncover their inner strengths, and cultivate fulfillment. Her focus is on assisting individuals in achieving their goals and developing effective strategies to navigate the complexities of mental, emotional, and relational difficulties. Through her empathetic approach and unwavering support, Kathy creates a nurturing space for clients to explore their potential, build resilience, and experience transformative growth.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with honors, from Texas Tech University and nearing completion of her Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Kathy brings a strong academic background to her counseling practice. As a student counselor, she combines her academic knowledge with additional professional training as a certified emotional intelligence coach, leadership coach, personal development educator, and human resources specialist. This unique blend of academic and professional experience allows Kathy to provide comprehensive support to her clients.
Kathy creates a therapeutic environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences consistently feel safe, supported, and heard. She utilizes client-centered therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques, tailoring her interventions to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
As an adult adoptee, Kathy also specializes in working with all members of the adoption triad—adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. She has a personal understanding of the unique challenges and traumas associated with adoption and is dedicated to helping individuals navigate these issues. Kathy recognizes the profound impact counseling can have on one’s life, and she takes great joy in providing guidance and support.
Choosing Kathy as your counselor means embarking on a transformative journey towards greater self-awareness, self-compassion, resilience, and overall well-being. She is honored to walk alongside her clients, providing support and empowerment as they strive to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. Kathy will be a practicum student therapist at PRESENCE for the Fall of 2023 and the Spring of 2024.