Kathryn Shumate, LPC

Kathryn Shumate is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with 40 years of clinical experience. She focuses on addictions, LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes. Kathryn uses a client-centered approach and works directly with people to address practical problems and emotional overwhelm.

She creates a straightforward environment where people can speak about difficult feelings and memories. Sessions are conversational and paced to each person’s needs. Kathryn listens for what matters most and helps people find clearer next steps they can try between meetings.

Her background includes decades of hands-on work across a range of stressors. That experience informs how she responds to grief, post-traumatic stress, and problems tied to addiction. She also addresses caregiver stress, communication difficulties, forgiveness work, self-love, and women’s issues.

In session she focuses on the person’s experience rather than a rigid technique. Conversations center on understanding what’s happening now and testing practical ways to change unhelpful patterns. Kathryn encourages people to reflect, try small changes, and report back what helps.

People who prefer a calm, direct conversational style often find this approach clear and manageable. The work moves at a steady pace and emphasizes usable strategies alongside emotional processing. If someone wants a facilitator who listens closely and helps plan concrete next steps, Kathryn provides that kind of practical partnership.

How Kathryn’s client-centered approach works for online sessions