“I love bringing an unfiltered realness to therapy. It encourages people to open up, and say what they want without holding back.”

Some people might feel nervous before their therapy session: afraid to be vulnerable and bring up emotionally difficult situations. Others might come in with specific goals in mind, ready to dive right into the conversation. 

No matter where you are or what you’re going through, Katie Moniz, LMHC will meet you there. 

Katie takes a conversational approach to therapy, with an emphasis on building trust, authenticity, respect, and empathy. 

Humor, like any expression of emotion, is always welcome in Katie’s sessions. Her genuine curiosity and compassion for the client across the screen allows the therapeutic process to unfold naturally. 

Katie utilizes aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy to help clients reframe and challenge thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve them. 

Through developing new insights into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, clients can transition through difficult experiences and live authentic lives.

To learn more about Katie’s background in the field and therapeutic approach, check out our interview with Katie below:

What led you to the mental health field?

I actually had all plans and intentions to study music performance and education. 

My senior year of high school, I took a psychology class that shifted my whole perspective. At the very last minute, I applied for schools to study psychology. 

Music continues to come up in my practice, often unintentionally. Clients and I will discuss how music makes them feel. I’ll help clients create playlists and we’ll share songs. 

As a musician, I can relate to experiencing performance anxiety, and working through those feelings.

What experiences have you had in the field?

I received both my Master’s degree and Certificate of Graduate Studies from Rhode Island College. 

While at college, I worked at a group home with adults and individuals with significant cognitive delays. I practiced individual counseling, and learned so many aspects of mental health counseling. 

From there, I worked at a community mental health agency: counseling children and adolescents in both residential and outpatient settings. Those years of experience really stretched my understanding of people’s emotional, psychological, and social capacities. 

I went into private practice in Rhode Island before moving to Massachusetts, where I found HBH. 

I also just recently completed a significant training program to become a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC).

How would you describe your therapeutic approach?

I would describe myself as a conversational therapist. Some therapists are very structured with their approach to therapy, but handing out worksheets and homework just isn’t my style.

My work is guided by the client: where they’re at, what they want to work on, and what they need support through. I never put my agenda above the client’s, and if the client wants to set a new goal or try something different, we can pivot.

Some of our work together might feel nurturing, some of it might feel difficult, I’m here to support the client throughout.

I’m trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solutions Focused Therapy. A lot of our work together involves cognitive reframing, so shifting thought patterns that can keep people feeling stuck. Clients will learn how to stop the thought, name the thought, and reframe it: helping them to turn challenges into opportunities for change and growth.

What mental health conditions and situations do you address?

I offer counseling for adolescents and adults experiencing the following life challenges: 

• Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias
• Depression
• Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
• Self-Harm/Self-Injurious Behaviors 
• Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADD/ADHD)
• Peak Performance/Performance Anxiety
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career
• Trauma

What’s your favorite part about being a mental health counselor?

I really love bringing an unfiltered “realness” to therapy. It encourages people to open up, and say what they want without holding back. 

I love working with teenagers because they’re so unabashedly themselves.

My approach, being more conversational and unfiltered, encourages them to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or criticism. I’m not bothered by the “tough topics” that people might perceive as uncomfortable or scary; I’m here to meet people where they’re at, and safely support them through the process. 

I also love seeing the “ah-ha” moment that clients experience when something works out or they’ve gained clarity on a situation. You can just see it wash over the client’s face, it’s very rewarding.

What do you like most about living in Massachusetts?

That’s it close to Rhode Island! My family and many of my friends live in Rhode Island, and it will always be home to me. But I do love how much there is to do in Massachusetts, and how vastly different those experiences can be depending on where you are.

The Take-Away

If you’re looking for mental health therapy in Massachusetts, our trained counselors are here to support you.

To start working with one of our counselors online or in our offices in Amherst, West Springfield, Franklin, Natick, or Wilbraham, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.

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