Kate Willecke, LCSW
Welcome!
I’m Kate, the founder of Bright Connections Counseling. I was born in Florida, but was raised in Colorado since age 2 (that makes me almost a native, right?). I have always been drawn to connecting with other humans and creating strong relationships. As a fellow high-achiever and deep feeler, I knew at a young age I wanted to be in a field focused on helping others. This wiring naturally led me to a career in counseling. I bring those same qualities of curiosity, empathy, and warmth to my clients. I strive to create a space where clients feel free to express their innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment- a space where people can show up as their full, beautiful, messy, human, authentic selves- and where I can, too!
I am a wife and mama to two energetic little humans who fill my cup daily. When I’m not therapist-ing, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, yoga, painting, being in nature, playing board games, and having living room dance parties.
I firmly believe that relationship is the most important part of the therapy process. Sometimes it's not about 'doing', as much as being in relationship, feeling heard, felt, understood, and valued that promotes growth and healing. At the heart of my work is a deep love for helping people reconnect with their authentic selves & begin to believe in their worthiness.
During our time together, we'll explore the roots of your pain, not just the symptoms, & help you reconnect with a sense of safety, emotional regulation, & wholeness. I help you understand & build a relationship with yourself that feels grounded and kind.
My approach is relational, person-centered, & rooted in deep connection. We’ll move at a pace that honors your needs and your nervous system, incorporating tools such as EMDR, IFS, somatic work, and mindfulness along the way.
If you are considering reaching out for my services, please know that I feel incredibly grateful to be a healing partner on your journey towards emotional wellbeing. It is truly the honor of a lifetime to be a therapist.
Education & Training
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Master of Social Work - Metropolitan State University, 2018
Bachelor of Social Work - Colorado State University, 2016 (Go Rams!)
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Bright Connections Counseling - Owner & Therapist, 2024 - Present
Jefferson Center for Mental Health - Integrated Care Clinician, 2021 - 2024
Jefferson Center for Mental Health - School-Based Clinician, 2019 - 2021
Centennial Peaks Hospital - Clinical Social Worker, 2017 - 2019
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Colorado Department of Regulatory Services
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Virginia Board of Social Work
Certified EMDR Clinician
Certified Synergetic Play Therapist (SPT)
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Anxiety
Depression
Trauma Recovery
Relational Conflict
Family Conflict
Self Esteem Issues
Panic Disorder
Grief and Loss
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT)
Humanistic Therapy
Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) / Ego States
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Self-Compassion Interventions
Attachment-Based Interventions