Katie Zicarelli Gesell

I have the most experience with college students who identify as LGBTQ+, transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse, and neurodivergent, and who may be dealing with grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or coming to therapy for the first time.

Clients often appreciate my ability to build strong rapport, allowing us to dig deeper and not shy away from “calling out” patterns and what may be getting in the way. At the same time, sessions can feel light-hearted with humor, sarcasm, pop-culture references, and my attempts at metaphors from your areas of interest. Therapy can be emotionally uncomfortable at times, so moments of levity matter, as does ensuring you're physically comfortable in your space.

Maintaining an anti-oppressive lens means awareness of how multiple identities intersect to shape and compound an individual’s experience. I hold that in my role as your therapist by acknowledging my own identities as well as the identities and roles within the therapeutic relationship. I strive to empower you to see the progress you are making, and that my place is simply as a guide, not the one who has done the work for you. I believe in you showing up as your full self, in whatever way that means, and will model that alongside you with my own fidget tools or by dressing casually. I often reinforce that it takes time to feel comfortable, and I do not push for sharing beyond what you are comfortable disclosing.

You are investing your time and resources in therapy, and I want to know you are getting something out of it. I value pointing out the small shifts I see: the moments you respond differently than before, the conversations once avoided that you are now facing, or the challenges that once kept you up at night that you now navigate with ease. Frequent check-ins matter; if something isn’t working, we will adjust together. Sometimes this means creating a specific format for your sessions, starting each one with a question, pointing out when the conversation gets off track, or asking what you’d like to start with that day. I find these individualized approaches especially helpful if you are grieving or neurodivergent. We know how hard it can be to stay focused!

I know firsthand how nerve-wracking starting therapy can be. Sometimes it feels like there is so much to say, and other times like you don’t know where to start. You don’t have to have all of the answers, or any at all. In our work together, it will feel exactly like that: we are in it together. I consider myself your copilot while you are in the driver’s seat. You make the decisions about where to go, and I help you navigate how to get there, with the support, resources, and tools you need. If you like to balance humor with being serious, being “called out,” and appreciate collaboration, we will work great together. If you want someone to give you all the answers and lead your sessions fully, I might not be the one for you. If you are not sure, that is okay! Sometimes it takes time to figure out what you need, and I want you to have the right fit. If that fit isn’t with me, I will help find referrals and recommendations.