Katherine Ruttenbur

Katherine Ruttenbur

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” —Carl Rogers

These words reflect Katherine’s counseling philosophy and the heart of her work with clients. She believes that lasting change grows out of acceptance—when people feel safe enough to acknowledge who and where they are, they create space for meaningful growth. To Katherine, therapy is not about achieving perfection but about walking a process, one step at a time, with compassion and curiosity leading the way.

Katherine is a compassionate counselor who specializes in supporting children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families through life’s challenges. She provides a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can navigate emotions, build skills, and gain confidence in themselves.

Education

Katherine earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and went on to complete a Master of Education in Counseling at Lindsey Wilson College. She has specialized training in Brainspotting for trauma work and incorporates both art therapy and play therapy techniques when working with children and teens.

Style

Katherine works from a person-centered and trauma-informed perspective, meeting each client with warmth and respect. She believes that people thrive when they feel safe, heard, and supported, so she creates a space where they can express themselves freely. Katherine integrates Brainspotting, CBT skills, art therapy, and play or creative interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.

Specialties

Katherine works with clients ages 4 through 65+ who are navigating a wide range of challenges. She frequently supports individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and difficulties with life transitions or school adjustment. She also helps families strengthen their relationships and provides guidance through blended family issues and divorce adjustment. For those who wish, she offers faith-based counseling with sensitivity and respect. In addition, Katherine integrates Brainspotting, art therapy, and play-based approaches to support trauma processing and emotional growth.

Hobbies

Outside of counseling, Katherine enjoys reading, cuddling her cat, watching true crime documentaries, and cheering on the Tennessee Vols. These simple joys help her stay grounded and bring balance to her life.
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