Lincoln Park Therapy Group - Therapy in Chicago

GET TO KNOW YOUR THERAPIST

Kathryn (Kat) Urrutia

Kathryn (Kat) Urrutia, MSMFT, AMFT

THERAPY IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CLIENT AND THERAPIST, AND I’M HERE TO HELP YOU FIGURE OUT HOW TO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.

SPECIALTIES

COUPLES/ RELATIONSHIP ISSUES
DIVORCE
GRIEF & LOSS
MEN’S ISSUES
FAMILY THERAPY
WORK-RELATED STRESS

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Kat Urrutia, AMFT | Lincoln Park Therapy Group

WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST

I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change. At times, anxiety, grief, trauma, or self-doubt can make it hard to see that potential clearly. As your therapist, my role is to provide a supportive and steady space where you can reconnect with yourself, feel safe enough to be vulnerable, and move toward the life you want to build.

 

 

I BECAME A THERAPIST TO HELP PEOPLE DEVELOP INTO WHO THEY TRULY ARE AND WHO THEY TRULY WANT TO BE.

WHEN I WORK WITH CLIENTS, my approach is strongly client-centered and grounded in mindfulness and compassion. I work from a solutions-focused and strengths-based perspective, helping people identify and build upon the parts of themselves that are already resilient and capable. 

From the very beginning of our work together, I prioritize helping you feel empowered and supported. By focusing on your strengths early on, sessions can feel like a place of collaboration rather than pressure. This creates space for honest feedback, deeper trust, and a stronger therapeutic relationship. Over time, through self-exploration and reflection, you’ll learn how to use your strengths as reliable tools to face challenges that once felt insurmountable. Knowing that you already have resilient parts to fall back on can make even the most difficult moments feel more manageable. We will also hold the understanding that healing is an ongoing process rather than a destination. Throughout this process, I am here to continuously walk alongside you and celebrate your successes.

 

When I work with clients, I incorporate THREE THINGS to create positive change:

CURIOSITY | WARMTH | DIRECTNESS

My therapeutic style is often described as warm, curious, and directive. I frequently work with those who are feeling disconnected from themselves, anxious, or unheard, so I emphasize practicing positive self-talk, working on healthy communication patterns, and breaking cycles of shame. I want clients to feel proud of themselves for the work they are doing, so I am very direct when asking individuals to explore how they show up to our sessions. I also often have clients reflect on their experiences so they can actively see where they want to grow.
 
 
LP Therapy Group

WHO I WORK WITH

I work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. I also specialize in therapy for men, divorce, quarter life-crises, and political divisiveness within families.

My area of expertise is working with couples experiencing high-conflict arguments, as well as helping older adults through challenges that may come about later in life.

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WHAT IF I'M AFRAID I WILL BE JUDGED IN THERAPY ?

Therapy is meant to be a completely judgment-free zone and I deeply value that. If you are fearing judgment, the best way overcome this fear is by exploring where that feeling comes from in our sessions together. The feeling of fearing others’ opinions often stems from shame and past experiences of being judged. I am here to help you overcome this fear and recognize that I only want to see you succeed and grow.
Kathryn Urrutia, AMFT | Lincoln Park Therapy Group

A LITTLE ABOUT ME & MY PROFESSIONAL SKILLS 

  • I attended The Ohio State University where I majored in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Science
  • I earned my Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University
  • I completed my clinical internship at The Family Institute at Northwestern University
  • I am a Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • I completed advanced, self-paced IFS training
  • I am Q.P.R. (Question. Persuade. Refer.) certified
  • I have completed a 27.5 hour Living Brave course by Dr. Brené Brown focusing on Vulnerability, Courage, Shame, and Empathy
“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do.” ​- Brené Brown

Loves experimenting with gluten-free baking

Enjoys yoga

Loves making candles

DO YOU WISH YOU WERE BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE CHALLENGING SITUATIONS? DO YOU WANT TO INCREASE YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS?

I would be honored to partner with you and help you discover the tools that can help make life more manageable. Together, we will find ways for you to meet your goals and increase your happiness and life satisfaction.
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