Kate Kulla (she/her)

Do you seem to have it all together on paper, but on the inside you’re filled with anxiety and self-doubt?

Many of my clients come to therapy stuck in a disconnect between their mind and body. I recognize how hard it can be to show up for yourself when you may be more attuned to others’ perceptions of you, trying to protect yourself from judgement or wanting to avoid conflict. 

Our earliest relationships lay a framework for how we view ourselves, connect, and experience safety. Unattainable standards in childhood or parental neglect can manifest in adulthood as low self-esteem, anxiety, or relational challenges. I am here to help you get unstuck and rewrite these narratives that once protected you, though no longer serve you.

Together, we can unpack how early unmet needs, disruptions in caregiving, or others’ unpredictable emotions influenced what your relationship anxieties and how you continue to show up. We can examine whether these dynamics continue to align with your values and goals.

I value collaboration and authenticity, and will work beside you as we make meaning of long-standing patterns, develop coping skills, and enhance relationships to be more fulfilling.

Areas of Expertise

Many of my patients come to me questioning the disconnect between their outward success and functioning, and feeling insecure or anxious on the inside. You may identify traits of perfectionism, never meeting your own standards, or notice a tendency to be a people-pleaser.

I am also passionate about working with folks who are questioning or identify as being neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, OCD, etc.) including those who received a diagnosis later in life. Together, we can make sense of these impacts and create a life of stronger clarity and ease. 

My goal is to foster spaces where clients feel affirmed and empowered in the full complexity of their identities. My therapeutic style is compassionate, attachment-based, and deeply relational. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming and vulnerable- I am here to support you wholeheartedly as you return back to yourself. We all deserve someone in our corner. 

My background & approach

I am trained in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, a therapy approach that looks at links between the past and present, while also helping you develop skills for coping and emotional regulation throughout the therapy process. Clients would describe my therapy approach as curious, grounded, and warm with a sense of humor.

I received my Masters in Social Work from The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, and hold a BA in Psychology from Temple University. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I worked in various education-based settings spanning special education, the Arts, and social work. I also have a background in dance, which gives me a particular appreciation for the mind-body connection which I integrate into my psychotherapy practice. I enjoy working with creatives and individuals in the arts, helping them navigate questions of career, identity, and meaning related to their paths.