Katherine Wikrent, Trauma-Informed Therapist: Neurodivergent & Queer-Affirming Therapy in Louisiana

Why This Work Matters to Me

Some of my favorite clients come in saying:

“Everyone says I’m too much or not enough.”
“I’ve done a lot of therapy, but I still feel stuck.”
“I know what I should do… I just can’t seem to do it.”

They’re often smart, sensitive, and the “therapist friend” in their circles. Many have lived through big stuff— trauma, heartbreak, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts — and they’re tired of navigating it all on their own.

That’s where I come in.

My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative. I’ll sit with you in the hard stuff without letting you get lost in it. We’ll work through it together, with honesty, structure, and plenty of compassion. There’s often laughter in the room, too.

Yes, we’ll talk about the heavy things. But we’ll also make space for joy, creativity, and figuring out what it means to build a life that’s real and meaningful to you: not performative or perfect, just deeply yours.

If you’re curious why a trauma-informed approach matters so much — especially for folks navigating things like ADHD or complex trauma — you can read more about that here.

My Journey to Becoming a Trauma-Trained, Affirming Therapist

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t exactly a straight line. It was more of a wild, winding adventure with some unexpected detours. I began my career in international development and public policy, working with non-profits across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa on public health and gender equity initiatives. I moved around a lot, living most recently in Spain, the Czech Republic, and Mexico. The work was fascinating and deeply meaningful. My passion for creating change led me to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at George Washington University, thinking I’d spend my life making change on a global scale.

But something felt off. I loved making an impact, but I wanted something more personal, more human. I wanted to support people one-on-one, helping them feel seen, understood, and empowered in their own lives.

So I changed course. I went back to school to earn my counseling degree, and now I get to do the work that truly lights me up: helping wonderfully complex humans feel more like themselves again.

The Nerdy Details

I earned my Master’s in Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling at Loyola University New Orleans and hold a PLPC and NCC license. That means I can support clients across Louisiana through virtual therapy, as well as in person here in New Orleans.

I’ve also completed advanced training in trauma and ADHD care, including:

• Level 1 training for Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-I)

• Coursework for ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)

While these certifications aren’t officially recognized under my PLPC license type, the tools and education I’ve gained help me support clients navigating trauma, neurodivergence, and all the beautifully messy parts of being human.