Based in Philadelphia, serving all of Pennsylvania and New Jersey online

Empowering Counseling

for Women and Nonbinary People

Are you feeling exhausted but don’t know what to do about it?

Does this feel familiar?

You pour your time, energy and support into others, but when you reach out for support, you’re left feeling dejected and hurt.

You might wonder, “Is it even worth trying to reach out?” Or are you thinking “I might as well rely on myself.”

It feels easier to ignore your needs and “grin and bear it”. After all, you’re “the strong one” or “the one who never needs support.” You’ve been put in the role of always being there for others, but it’s really starting to take a toll because despite how uncomfortable it is to acknowledge — you have needs too.

Perhaps you’ve had a major health scare that shook up your world, called everything into question, and led to the realization that things can’t keep going on as they are.

The exhaustion of handling it alone is impacting everything.

Maybe you’ve heard about asking for help or setting boundaries but that feels like something only other people are allowed to do.

You’re the giver, or at least that’s how everyone sees you. Maybe you’ve thought about asking for help, but that just feels so terrifying. What if they say no, and then you’re really alone.

Maybe you’ve thought about cutting back on how much you do for others, but you’re scared of hurting their feelings, or worried they’ll be mad or disappointed and that feels like too big a risk…

From Overwhelmed and Stuck to Finding Sense of Balance

Empowering counseling can help you…

  • Find a safe, non-judgmental space and experience a supportive environment where your feelings are heard and respected.

  • Boost confidence and gain insights about the larger systems that benefit from burnout.

  • Develop supportive coping strategies, promoting balance and peace.

  • Process change gently and receive supportive talk therapy to help you process experiences of grief and painful past experiences at your own pace, aiding in healing and resilience.

  • Find balance and ease in relationships with others and with yourself.

Imagine a life where you don’t come last anymore. Imagine feeling seen and appreciated for all the work you do. Where you still give support but in a way that feels fulfilling and without resentment, and where you get support too.

Imagine a world where everyday stress feels more manageable and that little voice in the back of your head that tells you you’re “not doing enough” has grown quiet. 

Health scares will never be easy, but if you have to go through that again, imagine a world where you feel relief knowing that you have the strength and support you need to get through it.

Let's work together to create a path to the life you desire and deserve.

This might feel too good to be true. It definitely doesn’t happen overnight, but if you’ve got hope, know that we can take this one step at a time.

Hello! I’m Kasryn (she/her)

As a queer therapist with a physical disability, I understand what it is like to navigate a world that isn’t made with you in mind.  

I’m passionate about helping you build a life you love and find comfort, ease, and rest.

I’ve been told by clients who have a body or mind not in the “norm” that they appreciate that I “get it” and, that they are whole, capable, wonderful people that contain multitudes and endless possibilities.

Too often, real concerns are dismissed by medical providers, friends, and family. I’ve worked alongside medical teams and I’m very comfortable collaborating with your medical providers as an advocate if that is something you want or need. 

Dedicated to an inclusive and anti-oppressive space

Everyone deserves an affirming space to receive support.

I’m dedicated to an anti-racist, social justice oriented approach.

LGBTQ Affirming:

You can rest at ease knowing your pronouns will be used and respected. The gender of your bed partner, or partners, will not raise an eyebrow. Your orientation and gender will be affirmed, and will not be made a focus of our work — unless you want or need that. If you’re happy without a partner, you won’t be told that you’ll “change your mind” and won’t be seen as less for not being in a relationship.

Folks sometimes excluded in LGBTQ affirming spaces, are warmly welcomed and affirmed here specifically: trans, nonbinary, aro, ace, poly, kink, bi, and queer.
In group settings, all members are expected to respect pronouns and identities. Anyone who does not support an LGBTQ+ affirming space, will be asked to leave the group.

Chronic illness and Disability Affirming and Informed:

Your chronic pain/illness/migraine/condition is valid, real and will not be dismissed. 
ADHD, Autism and neurodiversity welcomed and accommodated.
I’d love to know how I can help you get the most out of our work together..,

For example:

  • Do you prefer to go over paperwork together?

  • Is it easier to type responses rather than speaking?

  • Does it help to lie down during the session?

  • Do you need an American Sign Language interpreter? 

If you aren’t sure, we can explore this together.

Your needs matter.

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Frequently asked questions about empowering counseling

  • No, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an “option on the menu” but certainly not a requirement. If you struggle with sleep, we can work on that as well, but you get to decide if you would like to pursue CBT-I.

    In the free consultation, we can explore this further and I’d be happy to talk through a plan and learn what will best meet your needs.

  • Great question! This work is guided by your needs. In the free consultation, we can discuss your goals. Here are some examples:

    Building Confidence:

    Together, we'll explore and strengthen your sense of self. Therapy can help you recognize your intrinsic worth, leading to improved confidence both in personal and professional spheres of your life.

    Enhancing Relationships:

    As you gain insights into your own needs and boundaries, you'll learn how to communicate more effectively. This can lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships, where you feel both supported and valued. We’ll go at your pace, and take these steps only when you feel ready.

    Coping Skills for Everyday Life:

    We'll work on developing practical coping strategies — tailored to your unique context. These skills will help you manage day-to-day stress and emotions more effectively, leading to a more balanced and peaceful life.

    Encouraging Personal Growth:

    Our therapeutic journey is centered around empowering you. With every session, I aim to encourage your growth, helping you to uncover your strengths and use them to navigate life's challenges.

  • Sessions are 50 minutes long. As for how many sessions, this is completely up to you and what you need. You can stop at any time and there’s no long-term commitment. We can also adjust the frequency of the sessions. Typically it is helpful to start with weekly, but when you start feeling better we can decrease to biweekly or less often based on what you want or need.