Check out what some of our V-team has to say!
“Katie is a very intuitive therapist, and a great co-worker.” – Heather Colligan
“Katie Mason joined us several years ago and has been wowing us ever since. Her therapeutic skills have helped touch the lives of so many of our clients. Katie’s passion to become an even better clinician has led her to a Ph.D program, where she spends one weekend a month with her “student” hat on. This type of desire to learn and continue to grow is just one of the ways Katie models the behaviors we want to see in our clients. So many girls look to Katie as an example of a woman in recovery who gives everything her all. Katie is also a sounding board for so many of us, providing insight and support during the more difficult days. We love Katie!!” – Amanda and Chris Shumow
Katie was, of course, subjected to our usual 10-question fun. Her responses are particularly fantastic. I’m noticing a definite musical pattern emerging amongst our Visions team. Read on!
1: What inspires you to work with adolescents?
I’m guessing you’re looking for an answer other than, “because I still feel like one.” I feel honored to be a part of my client’s journey of developing their sense of self, increasing their self-worth at a time when typically there is so little, and helping them to see how really cool and talented they are.
2: What time of year do you like best?
SUMMER!!!! I guess that confirms that I’m still just a teenager at heart.
3: Do you play any instruments? If so, which and for how long?
I sing, so if you count my voice as an instrument, all my life. I come from a long line of performing family members, and music is one of my favorite therapies!! You can also add to that, the guitar for about a minute when I was a teenager, and, something that I would never admit to, except that there is photo evidence of me in my brownie uniform playing…………..the accordion (shhhhh, don’t tell anyone)
4: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Star. I wanted to act, dance and sing. I had some opportunities, but I’m a chicken, horrible stage fright. It all worked out great though, if it’s possible, I think I love what I actually do even more. Besides, this way I get to embarrass my daughter and my animals with my singing and dancing around the house.
5: If you could travel in time, where would you go?
The Renaissance era. I’m a true romantic at heart and love the chivalry and fashion of that time. For music though, any era from the 50’s forward.
6: What would you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far?
My daughter. I often minimize my impact on the amazing young woman she is becoming because she has always just been this incredible person. But the more I see myself in her, I have to acknowledge that I might’ve had something to do with it.
7: What is the best advice you’ve ever received about providing therapy to adolescents and families?
Diversify and maintain self-care. Someone once told me, that in order to remain passionate about working with adolescents, you need to make sure that half your practice is with a different population. Self-care is important with all populations, and something I’m still working on.
8: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl for sure. I don’t have a personality, or much of a brain for that matter, before 9 am.
9: What steps to you take for self-care?
Like I said, I’m still working on that. I have great support; family, friends, therapy, but making time for all those is another story. Regular exercise and spa days are fabulous in theory, I’m working on making them more of a reality.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
Wow, this answer could take pages. If I had to give you a short answer, I would say, because I don’t feel like I’m working FOR Visions. I feel like I am a part of Visions, a part of something that values individuality, integrity, creativity, passion, and most importantly laughter………..a true love of life.