Katie Bonanno

Couples therapy starts out with getting a background from both partners and asking questions to get a history of your relationship and patterns. Every couple has patterns that they play out with each other. We get a sense of what you want to work on and get to work! Sessions will resemble a game of ping pong at times. One partner will speak and I often ask the other partner, "how do you feel about what they said?". This is meant to include everyone in the discussion and to get a sense of the patterns at play. Often times, I will have clients talk to each other and coach them through healthy communication and interactions so they can practice at home. What's most important is that everyone in session feels listened to and safe to engage in the conversation and healing process.

I am a very down to earth and grounded person. I always lead with curiosity in session, never judgment. I believe there is always a reason that someone does something, it's just figuring out why. I also like to add that I'm originally from New England but currently reside in the Charleston, SC area. I'm not a southern belle by any means! I tend to say what's on my mind, be up front, honest, and have a sense of humor (where it's appropriate) in sessions. My favorite thing about being a therapist has been having long term clients when there is a great therapeutic relationship and my client also feels comfortable enough to laugh over something silly that pops up in session. Therapy doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. It's also making space for the light to shine back in.

I feel that somatic work is so important especially in couples and relationship work. I use it to help clients identify what they are feeling and why. We start by asking what the client feels in their body and trying to relate it to a feeling word. Often times we go about our busy days, ignoring what our body is telling us. We usually feel our feelings in our body far before we have time to think about them logically. Using this, I teach clients to expand what they are feeling and their vocabulary to communicate their feelings to their partner. This can help a relationship tremendously instead of another, "I'm fine" answer. Somatic work and identifying feelings adds color and depth to relationships.