Kathryn Paull, LAPC, LAMFT (she/her)
Living fully in the present can be hard when we’re still holding onto pain from our past. Far too often, to cope with our pain, we adapt in ways that helped us survive back then but limit us now. While it can be challenging to understand why we do the things we do and feel the way we feel, I’m here to meet you with compassion and curiosity. Together, we can explore the behaviors and beliefs that are holding you back from experiencing increased joy, purpose, and self-love.
My Approach
I tailor my approach based on your specific strengths and goals. Backed by research, the modalities I use are designed to empower you to move toward greater self-awareness and self-compassion. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) level one training, I’ll offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of your inner world as we understand how each part of you has a story to share and a path to healing. With my training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I’ll help you reprocess distressing memories and unhelpful beliefs so your brain can naturally form new, healthier connections that support your healing. I also utilize a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including Attachment-Based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With years of experience as a yoga teacher, I also employ somatic interventions to help you attune to and learn from the wisdom of your body.
In my work with couples, I help you and your partner identify the patterns that keep you feeling stuck or disconnected. Together, we slow things down to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, bringing awareness without shame. From there, I guide you in practicing new ways of relating that deepen intimacy and promote meaningful relational healing.
Who I Work With
As a trauma-informed therapist, I work with adults and couples*. Most of my clients have experienced traumatic events that have impacted their functioning which can often present as emotional overwhelm, anxiety, relational issues, low self-esteem, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shame, grief, burnout, thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and/or addiction.
I also work with individuals who want to better understand their emotional world and feel more confident expressing themselves in relationships. For many, these skills were never taught or modeled, and coping has meant staying busy, focusing on achievement, or fixing problems to avoid feeling overwhelmed. In our work together, we focus on building emotional awareness and capacity so you can respond to your experiences with more flexibility, feel more at ease in your own skin, and stay connected in the relationships that matter most.
*Because couples work can be emotionally intensive, I ask that both partners are currently in individual therapy or have substantial prior therapy experience to support the level of self-awareness and regulation needed for the process.
My Background
I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University. During my studies, I completed a thesis on Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Mental Health Counseling which shaped my approach to treatment emphasizing safety, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and trauma processing to foster clients’ wholeness and healing. Before grad school, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology and worked in the nonprofit sector and corporate America.
It is truly an honor to engage in this work. You deserve to live a life filled with hope, resilience, and joy. I can't wait to support you every step of the way.
If this resonates with you and you’re interested in moving forward, you can book an free phone consultation here. You can also contact me directly at kathryn@eastatlantacounseling.com or 678-243-0769.
I am located at our Decatur and North Druid Hills locations for in-person and telehealth sessions.
I am under the supervision of Celia Webb, MS, LPC, CPCS, SEP.