Meet Katy Owens, LCSW
Katy has been with Candor for almost a year and we’d love to have you get to know her better!
What inspired you to become a therapist?
Long story short, my adopted siblings! I wanted to become the best parts of the system that helped them while also filling in the gaps of the system that failed them.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The best part of this work is when a client realizes how strong and capable they are. That strength and capacity is always there, and I love that I get to help folks access it, honor it, and run with it.
What mental health concerns do you most enjoy working with?
My heart will always be in addiction and recovery work, and with that also comes a lot of systems- and trauma-focused care.
What are you most passionate about helping clients overcome?
I live for the moments when a client starts to feel safe; safe in their home or community, in their body, in their relationships, in their own brain.
What is therapy like with you?
It’s an ongoing conversation, often with a lot of laughter! Don’t get me wrong, I will give you a push when needed, and I’ll make sure you know how capable and strong you are, but we usually giggle and joke along the way.
What therapeutic approaches do you most often use and why?
My background is in Learning Psychology, so I lean on a lot of cognitive behavioral techniques in my work; however, YOU are the expert in your own experiences and needs, so I am always open to alternate approaches that will help you reach your goals.
What do you hope every client feels after leaving a session with you?
Safe and capable. You won’t always leave a session happier than it started, but my goal for you is to know that you have the tools to create safety and capacity in any of your challenges.
What would you say to someone who has had a bad experience with therapy before?
Therapy is just as individualized of a service as getting your haircut, experiencing live comedy, or going on a dream vacation. Every person will have their own preferences, styles, needs, and goals. One therapist may be a great fit for you at one phase of life, but not the best fit in another. Please don’t give up!
If someone is reading this and wondering whether therapy is right for them, what would you say?
Just like drinking water, eating nourishing food, and moving your body is good for everyone, so is mental health care. Whether you are currently facing challenges, are working to heal from previous challenges, or want to make sure your brain and body are in a healthy place to take on any challenges life throws at you, therapy can support you. Healing is a journey, and not an outcome.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
My favorite part of my identity is being a mom to my two kids, but the other parts of me include watching and playing sports (JMU, New England Patriots, and all things WNBA, especially), reading, exercise, playing cards, going to the beach with my family, trivia with my husband, taking my dogs on walks, and rewatching episode of The Office. I am also a fantasy football fanatic, and cannot wait until August when the NFL season starts!
What’s your favorite way to practice self-care?
I know I am a better mom, friend, wife, and therapist when I take care of ME. Physical activity has always been therapeutic and cup-filling, but I also make sure I have enough time for rest and recharging. I honor my work-life boundaries, engage in my own mental health care, and try to have as much fun as I possibly can every day.
What days or times are you available?
I offer sessions throughout the day on Tuesdays (virtual) and Wednesdays (in person or virtual), including those evenings (virtual). I also offer early morning sessions (6am or 7am) most days of the week for those with less conventional availability!
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! I accept Anthem, Aetna, United, Sentara, and self pay clients.
Do you work in person or virtual?
I work both in person at our Richmond, VA office and virtually across Virginia.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment with Katy today!