Katherine Espano in her counseling office in Greensboro, NC

About Me

I believe our natural inclination is toward growth, but we need the support of others. I aim to help you see the possibilities in yourself and your life. I will deeply listen to you, which sometimes means listening for the things you are afraid to say, but need to say. I offer a safe space without judgment where you can strive for your personal goals.

I value learning and staying open to different points of view. I hold a master's degree with a specialization in marriage and family therapy and am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina. I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Counseling and Counselor Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I actively engage in research and contribute to the counseling profession through scholarly work.

My background as a professional writer and experience teaching creative writing workshops at the university level influences my counseling approach. Stories are at the heart of our lives, but some of the stories we tell about ourselves or others can hold us back. I help you shift your perspective, focusing on the details that shape a narrative supporting the real you and the relationships you want.

I have been married many years and experienced the ups and downs of marriage, parenthood, and self-discovery. I can support you as you navigate your own path. I will help you see ways to move past obstacles to growth, fostering both awareness and practicality. I will be authentic with you—helping you identify patterns and develop strategies—but you will be the one making choices. I provide tools so that you can move in new directions. The work we do together can bring hope, empowerment, and ultimately, positive change.

Who I Work With

My primary specialization is couples and marriage counseling. I also help individuals with a focus on anxiety, complex family dynamics, and the impact of early life experiences. I welcome clients from all walks of life, and I am an LGBTQ+ ally. Growing up in a multicultural family, I am familiar with navigating different perspectives and experiences. I strive to adapt my approach to your unique needs.

Open meadow in summer light

My Approach

I work from a humanistic and family systems framework. I have advanced training in working with couples, including the Gottman Method. My approach is grounded in attachment theory, emotional awareness, and cognitive flexibility. I draw from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic, trauma-informed counseling, and other evidence-based interventions. Most importantly, I customize my approach to you and your needs.

Desk and bookshelf in the counseling office

Credentials & Training

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) — North Carolina (#A22809)

  • PhD, Counseling and Counselor Education (in progress) — University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in marriage and family therapy (2025) — Jacksonville University

    MFA, Creative Writing — University of Florida

    BA, Creative Writing with psychology minor — Carnegie Mellon University

  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)

    Gottman Method Couples Therapy:

    • Level 1 Clinical Training

    • Level 2 Clinical Training