this week on the blog…

Rockwall Counseling and Wellness would like for you to get to know Katheryn Chaney. A Rockwall ISD alum, Katheryn has been a therapist for nearly two decades. Specializing in work with trauma survivors, Katheryn’s experience and compassion are incredibly valued here at Rockwall Counseling and Wellness. To book a session with Katheryn, click the link at the bottom of the post!

Tell us a little about your journey to becoming a counselor. Where did you go to school? What are your degrees in? Are you originally from the Rockwall area?

I have been a therapist for 18 years. I started out at Texas Tech University and completed my degrees at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Both my undergraduate degree and Masters degree are in Social Work. I graduated from High School in Rockwall (a long time ago!), then moved to the Austin area for several years after receiving my education, then returning and settling in Forney, Texas in 2000 where my husband and I began raising our family. Up until I came to Rockwall Counseling and Wellness, I had worked for non-profit organizations in the area of adoption, foster care, and child advocacy. I spent some time in education both in the public school setting and University setting as a clinical instructor in the School of Social Work at Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

What type of therapy are you most passionate about? Why?

I am most passionate about working with trauma survivors, children and adults. We all have a story worth telling and that story deserves to be honored and heard. I have been trained in EMDR and am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, both evidenced based practices which offer hope and healing to individuals healing from traumatic experiences. I have a special place in my heart for individuals healing from childhood sexual abuse. I am also passionate about play therapy and have been a registered Play Therapist and supervisor for many years as well (RPT-S). It's very rewarding hearing a child's story through their play and interaction with the world around them. It's amazing what we can learn from children if we just listen and join their world, real or imaginary.

If you could have any job besides the one you have now, what would you want to be doing?

The job I would want if I wasn't doing my dream job already would be a doctor or a nurse. I have always been drawn to helping professions and this seems a natural fit for me! 

What do you feel the biggest struggle facing your clients is?

Let's face it, LIFE IS HARD and bad things happen that we are not quite prepared for and oftentimes feel completely overwhelmed by.  It helps to have someone who sees this challenge and is willing to face it with us. When bad things in our life happen, we can sometimes formulate unhealthy and unhelpful internal dialogue as a result. I love helping my clients sort this out and formulate more accurate self talk which can be empowering and life changing! What we tell ourselves matters. I like to make sure what my clients are telling themselves is accurate, helpful and empowering. 

Who in your life do you most look up to? Why?

I have had many people in my life who have made a significant imprint on my life and practice. Professionally speaking, I would have to say I have been most influenced by the practice of Dr. Gary Landreth at the University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy most and aspire to provide the same safe space for my clients as he has for his.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Be kind to yourself, forgive yourself and move on. I would spend much less time people pleasing and more time investing in me and my relationships. 

What would you say to someone who is considering starting therapy, but doesn’t know if it’s worth the time or money?

It is so worth it! Investing in yourself is what healthy people do. It's never too late to take care of you. If you are not okay, the other important roles in your life will suffer. You are worth the investment!

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Definitely a dog person! We currently have a micro mini goldendoodle named "Ruby" and she is one of the loves of my life. We are currently training her as a therapy dog, so hopefully very soon she'll be joining me in the office.

Do pineapples belong on pizza?

I guess if you like pineapples, sure! Who am I to judge, LOL! I can't say I've ever had pineapple on my pizza, but I would be willing to try it.

What’s your favorite place to go out to eat in Rockwall?

My favorite Rockwall spot is probably Mi Cocina or Zanata! 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I don't have much free time as a working mom of three very active girls, but when I do, I love spending time on the lake or playing outside with my family. We love vacationing and adventures of all kinds. 

What’s your favorite time of year?

Summer is definitely my favorite time of year. Sunshine is so good for the soul and just makes me so happy.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been married to my college sweetheart, Chad for 25 years this August! We have three beautiful girls ranging in age from 20 to 10. They are definitely the best thing we've ever done. 

What is your favorite place to visit?

We are pretty simple people and love the lake! We've been blessed to visit some pretty cool places as a family, but our favorite place to be is the lake. We love boating, surfing, and spending time outside. Lake life is the best life!

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would want to have dinner with my mother-in-law, Lynda Chaney. I didn't get enough time with her as my mother-in-law, as she passed away in 2000 just two years after my husband and I married. She was beautiful inside and out, and I have lots of questions. She was patient and kind, and I so admired her. It's beautiful to see some of her best qualities come to life in my husband. She definitely made her mark on him and for that I am grateful. 

Are you more introverted, extroverted, or a mixture of both?

There are times I am super extroverted, typically with my oldest and best friends, LOL and there are times I tend to be more introverted.  I am a deep thinker, oftentimes overthinking things. I would say I am a good mix of both.