Kaitlyn’s Favorite Quotes:

• "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." - Carl Rogers

• "Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.” - Friedrich Froebel

• "It is an act of bravery to feel your feelings." - Gayle Forman

Kaitlyn Lightfoot

LCSW

(she/her)

Accepts BCBS and Aetna

Virtual and In-person (Raleigh Office)

Welcome! My name is Kaitlyn Lightfoot and I am a therapist with Nourish. I am passionate about working with children, teens, and young adults. Mental health matters at all ages, and today’s children and young adults are navigating a seemingly endless amount of change, pressure, feelings, and stressors. I aim to be a warm, nonjudgmental safe space for kids and teens to show up as they are and play, talk, feel, laugh, and be creative. My hope is that my clients learn to embrace their full authentic selves and better understand their needs, feelings, strengths, and their place in this world. 

I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Psychology and later received my Master’s in Social Work from Appalachian State University. I spent my first couple of years post-graduation in Denver, Colorado where I earned my clinical social worker license (LCSW). I relocated back to the Triangle area and now offer sessions in-person in the Raleigh office and via telehealth. 

With my social work background, I approach our time together with a trauma-informed systemic lens. I am excited to learn about you, your people, your passions, and explore how you became the person you are in front of me. With younger children, I utilize tenants of client-centered play and Synergetic Play Therapy to engage in authentic, connective play and help children learn to feel, regulate, and process emotions. With older children and young adults, I engage in age-appropriate talk therapy utilizing tools from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I also find value in bringing in mindfulness and somatic work to help foster a connection to our bodies, and I am trained in expressive arts and enjoy swirling in creative elements in sessions when desired. I see clients ages 6 and up and am interested in supporting children and teens with some of the following (and more):

• Emotional distress

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

• Identity and exploration of self 

• Life changes and transitions 

• Academic stress

• Interpersonal relationship challenges

• Self-esteem 

• Bullying

• Family conflict 

When I’m not working, you’ll often find me with a cup of tea, a good book, and my cat curled up on my lap. I also enjoy connecting with loved ones, getting outside, traveling, baking, and crafting. I am proud of you for taking this brave step for your child or yourself, and I look forward to collaborating with you.