Kate Lyons, LCSW, LICSW (she/her)
Clinical Director
Licensed in PA, MA, ME, OH, NY, VT
Areas of Specialty Focus
•Anxiety •Depression •Trauma •Self-esteem •Assertiveness
•Self-harming behaviors •Suicidal Thoughts •Social challenges •Neurodivergence •School challenges •Behavior challenges •School Avoidance •High sensitivity •LGBTQIA+
Modalities & Certifications
•Certified Clinical Trauma Professional •Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) •Family Systems Therapy •Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) •Comprehensive Internal Family Systems Therapy •Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
How I work
My clients who have been in therapy before often remark on how different our experience is, because our relationship is warm, caring, and built on a foundation of mutual respect and appreciation. My goals in working with children, teens, young adults and families are to cultivate self esteem, understand behavioral patterns, and foster healthy relationships that allow them to flourish.
Over the last ten years, I’ve developed comfort working with a range of clients. My experience has provided me with an understanding of various levels of care, and informs my systemic approach. I value collaboration with caregivers, schools, and prescribers and aim to fuse together a supportive team around my clients to ensure positive, sustainable treatment outcomes.
Something you may hear me say in session is there are no “bad” parts of you-everything we do serves a purpose. I think it’s crucial to understand behavior and if something isn’t working, explore how to meet our needs in a healthier, more sustainable way. This can look different from client to client. For a younger kiddo who needs help understanding and managing their emotions, maybe we’re sitting on the floor together reading “Roaring Mad Riley” and practicing strategies to regulate or role playing effective communication with puppets. For an older client, maybe we’re exploring our inner coach and inner critic, gently challenging negative beliefs, or encouraging self advocacy. In any of these scenarios, what I can guarantee is you and your child or teen will be seen and heard, and I recognize the privilege of working with you, your child, or your family.
My Education & Trainings
I completed my MSS with Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and earned my license in 2014. I spent time within the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia's outpatient behavioral health department, provided services through The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Research to students on the spectrum at Saint Joseph's University and facilitated groups for siblings of those students to address unmet needs and foster understanding. I provided mobile support for adults with chronic mental health challenges as part of an Assertive Community Treatment team. I spent years providing individual and family therapy in a trauma informed youth residential program, and then transitioned to a role within a middle school aged special education program which left me well versed in the supports that can be provided in school, as well as how to understand behavior within a school setting and how to effectively navigate educational barriers. I recently completed NASW’s training “School Based Violence: A Description, Prevalence and Tools for Social Workers” and at times incorporate in-school observation and support as appropriate. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), earned my Certified Clinical Trauma Professional credential which includes EMDR and somatic interventions, and completed a course in Comprehensive Internal Family Systems Therapy. With these certifications, I help clients approach challenges from a place of curiosity and compassion rather than judgement. I currently serve as a field instructor for Boston College and Lesley University to support the next generation of clinicians and have completed NASW’s “Clinical Supervision: A Transformative Journey for Supervisor and Supervisees in Social Work Practice” course to deepen this work. I am dedicated to continuing to provide support for vulnerable youth and volunteer at A Home Within-a national organization that provides free therapy to folks who have been in the foster care system. I was honored to be a guest speaker at Valor Together’s Inaugural event, “Taking Root Together” alongside Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Perlis.
The relationship with your therapist is a large part of your success. Here’s more about me!
I’ve always cherished the art of storytelling. When my brother and I were little, my grandparents spent countless hours reading to us. My appreciation of literature was magnified every summer when my little brother and I would voraciously tear through as many books as we could to earn stickers on the sheets we received from our local library.
My parents taught me how to tell stories through music, and in my spare time, I still love to play my guitar and sing at local coffee shops and festivals.
My Italian roots inspired a love of cooking. My grandparents were pie masters (lemon meringue and coconut custard were always a hit during the holidays)-when we weren’t baking, we were crafting the perfect meatballs, drying fresh pasta, and of course, making homemade sauce (or gravy-depending on which side of the family you’re talking to!). From an early age, we learned a lot about the importance of intentional connection and uninterrupted quality time.
I love dirty chai lattes and sushi (extra ginger, hold the roe!) and despite popular belief I am not a vegan, though one of my clients once told me that I dress like I am capable of foraging without getting poisoned (they insisted it was a compliment). I’ve always found myself surrounded by animals, whether I’m volunteering at a local therapeutic riding camp or hanging out with my pups-I adore all creatures (my friends can attest to the fact that we even commit to capturing and releasing bugs-no squishing around here!)
Working With Me
I’m available on our telehealth platform on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. At our Wellesley, MA. office, I see clients Wednesday and Thursday during morning, afternoon and evening hours.