Katie Minks, LMSW, Therapist
Hi, my name is Katie Minks, I'm an LMSW and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My intention as a therapist is to empower people to step into their courage, strength, resilience, and overall well-being through a traditional and mind-body based therapeutic approach.
As a therapist and teacher, my goal is to meet you where you are in your life’s journey with a nurturing sense of inquiry and compassion. Your story may not be free of pain and stress; however, with curiosity and courage you can begin to move towards finding the meaningful life you are seeking.
We will work together to find tools that will cultivate healthier ways to better connect with yourself and others. The more we practice coming into the present moment, the more we can focus on our internal and external resources.
Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma or just living in a state of feeling unsettled, we will work collectively to find ways toward healing and wellness. Self-limiting beliefs, living in absolutes, and unfavorable narratives can keep us from moving forward towards our goals.
Life is not this destination where we arrive; instead, we are continually travelling and arriving as the path to growth is not linear. It is with the gift of each moment that we can begin again, with kindness and compassion for ourselves along the way.
I look forward to working with you as you take steps toward exploring, discovering, and refining ways to live your very best life!
COUNSELING APPROACH
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I recognize each person has their own individual story with a unique journey towards healing and wellness. I use a diverse skill set incorporating a mind-body centered approach that is unique to each person's needs. I believe that growth and change is possible through building meaningful, trusting, and safe relationships with my clients.
My intention is to help individuals find self-acceptance and healthy coping skills as they dial into their own innate wisdom, as well as, tools that will help to navigate challenges, relationships, and life experiences.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
I graduated from Aurora University with a Master’s in Social Work. I received a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Psychology from Illinois State University. Most recently, I have completed Trauma Yoga Trainings at Grand Rapids Healing Yoga, Kintla Yoga Therapy, and Hala Khouri.
My career has afforded me the opportunity to work in a variety of hospital settings, from rural to inner city; some of which have included: Henry Ford Hospital, Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago, Loyola Medical Center, Holy Cross Hospital and Breese Hospital. As part of a multidisciplinary team, I worked with diverse patient populations; including psychiatric and medical/surgical in both inpatient and outpatient settings, covering all specialties. This included phases of life-span planning, birth to end-of-life issues, abuse, neglect, advocacy, support groups, crisis intervention, and coordination of biopsychosocial needs.
Although my experience has primarily been in the field of medical social work, I have been active in various community efforts and charitable initiatives, including fundraising and advocacy with Wedgwood Christian Services, Kids Hope USA, Habitat for Humanity, Kids Food Basket, as well as, other non-profit organizations. I serve on the Kintla Yoga Therapy Advisory Board in Lansing, which focuses on global, evidence-based trauma treatment training and other programs.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love cooking, learning, road biking, hiking, and yoga.
“The truth is our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers” -M. Scott Peck
If you would like to schedule an initial session with me, call 616-499-4711 or click the "Schedule With Katie" button below; I'd be happy to meet with you and help you explore next steps.
Katie