About Me
Hey there! My name is Kathryn Buchanan.
I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development, and bring nearly six years of experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings. I am beginning my sixth year in public education, with two years of classroom experience and the remainder of my school-based career serving as a behavior specialist. This experience has given me a unique understanding of children both academically and behaviorally, as well as the challenges families and schools can face when a child is struggling.
In addition to my work in schools, I have spent four years counseling children and adolescents in a nonprofit setting. My experience includes working with youth experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges, first-time offenders, and children and adolescents involved with the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA). These experiences have strengthened my ability to meet young people where they are, build trusting relationships, and help them develop practical skills to navigate difficult circumstances and make positive changes.
My counseling approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each child’s individual needs. I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to help children and adolescents understand their thoughts and behaviors, identify their strengths, build motivation for change, and develop practical strategies for moving forward. I am also currently expanding my knowledge and training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), particularly its skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
My Counseling Perspective
I believe every child has the ability to grow, heal, and learn new ways to navigate life’s challenges. My approach is compassionate, practical, and strengths-based, with a focus on helping children and adolescents build emotional regulation, communication, coping, confidence, and healthy relationships. I especially enjoy working with young people who may be struggling with big emotions, challenging behaviors, anxiety, anger, or difficulty expressing what they need.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where children feel heard, understood, and respected while also learning practical skills they can use in everyday life. Through conversation, creative activities, mindfulness, and age-appropriate strategies, I help young people understand themselves, work through challenges, and develop tools that support lasting growth.