Background:

Katherine — or Katie — is a Resident in Counseling and board-certified art therapist, bringing a genuinely distinctive credential and approach to her work at Crescent. Originally from Philadelphia, she first discovered her love of creativity at summer camp, which set her on a path toward combining art and human connection professionally. She earned her BA in Studio Art with minors in Psychology and Arts Management from the College of Charleston before moving to Northern Virginia in 2018 to pursue exactly that. She went on to complete her MA in Art Therapy from The George Washington University — a specialized graduate program that sets her apart from traditional talk-therapy training and equips her with a unique set of tools for reaching clients who may struggle to access or express their inner world through words alone. Katie has experience working with children and families navigating pre- and post-bereavement, major life transitions, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Approach:

Working under clinical supervision, Katie's work is rooted in a person-centered approach that prioritizes trust, safety, and genuine connection. She takes time to understand each client's interests, relationships, and ways of expressing themselves before shaping a therapeutic space that feels personal rather than generic. Through the art-making process, clients are invited to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences in nonverbal and creative ways — and while Katie always offers art as a tool for healing, clients are never required to engage in art-making during sessions. She is trained in art-based assessment and the safe, intentional use of art materials, and is currently developing her skills in youth crisis intervention and working with young clients navigating complex mental health needs.

Just for fun:

In her downtime, Katie loves trying new creative projects — her latest favorites include crocheting and junk journaling. She also enjoys spending time with friends and taking long walks with her dog, often with a book in hand as he happily leads the way.

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Katherine Gaynor, Resident in Counseling, is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling. Katherine provides clinical services under the supervision of the LPC listed below. As a Resident in Counseling, Katherine does not obtain or provide services on an independent basis, and she does not independently submit insurance claims. All insurance claims are submitted through Crescent Counseling Center.

Supervised by Kaitlyn Zito, LPC
Address: 6400 Grovedale Drive, Ste 200, Alexandria, VA 22310
Phone: 571-414-9645