Katherine Schwab

WHAT I DO: I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist (ECMH-E®) in private practice who specializes in working with young children and their families. My practice is based upon the tenets of infant-parent and early childhood mental health, which include being diversity informed, culturally sensitive, and relationship-based. My first goal is always to provide a felt sense of safety and connection with families, whether working through telehealth or in person. WHO I SEE: I have a passion for working with neurodivergent children, including those with suspected or confirmed Autism or ADHD as well as those experiencing challenges with social interactions or self-regulation who may not have any particular “diagnosis”. I also enjoy working with young children experiencing anxiety, in particular as manifested by selective mutism, separation anxiety, or anxiety related to medical procedures or medical complexity. HOW I WORK: Rather than providing traditional “talk therapy”, I utilize a combination of play, movement, mindfulness, arts and crafts, imagination, storytelling, games, and sensory-based activities to help children and families reach their goals. I believe that parents are excellent sources of information about their child and family, and my role is more of a guide or coach to support the family with their goals, using a combination of my experience and knowledge as well as a healthy dose of curiosity. I do not always have “answers”, but I hope that I can help uncover a pathway with you. WHY I DO THIS: In my work, I strive to combine my professional knowledge and experiences with my own personal life experience as both a parent and a neurodivergent individual – bringing a compassionate and inclusive lens to others’ experiences. One of my main goals is to also support parents and caregivers as they learn more about the unique ways in which their child interprets and interacts with their world. I view my work as a collaborative process and strive to truly connect with each child and family, creating a safe space for reflection and growth. REFLECTIVE CONSULTATION: I also offer Reflective Consultation (RC) services to others who work with young children and their families in a variety of settings, including those seeking or maintaining Endorsement® through MassAIMH. This work is aimed at increasing reflective capacity while also reducing worker stress and burnout. I have completed basic and advanced training in utilizing the RIOS model for this work. EDUCATION: BA Human Ecology (College of the Atlantic 1995) MS Mental Health Counseling (UMass Boston 2011) Postgraduate Fellowship in Infant-Parent Mental Health (UMass Boston 2020-2022)