Connecticut: Destigmatized - Katie Bassoli, LCSW

Katie Bassoli, LCSW

Why do you do what you do?

Prior to becoming a clinician, I supported clients at the grassroots level, advocating for survivors of domestic violence in criminal court and supporting women and children at a local domestic violence shelter. I provided supportive counseling to sexual assault survivors at local hospitals and police stations, and facilitated support groups for trauma survivors. This defining work led to me pursue a Master of Arts degree in Women’s Studies to gain a better understanding of the impact that power dynamics, sexism, institutionalized racism, homophobia, and other injustices have on people. This education and training was essential to providing the feminist framework I utilize today. These experiences cultivated my passion for providing support to those who are marginalized or are in a position of vulnerability. In order to more effectively help people, I returned to school and earned my Masters of Social Work degree. I have provided services to clients at a local health clinic, and helped people with persistent mental illness, or substance use disorders. I have seen clients move in and out of the judicial system, facing insurmountable odds. I have done in-home work with mothers who struggled with substance use and had young children. Throughout this work, I have continuously provided safe and supportive therapy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It was not until I gave birth to my first daughter in 2014 that I discovered a largely overlooked challenge so many face – the life-changing experience of becoming a mom.  For the past five years, I have chosen to focus my clinical training and work on supporting new families during the exceptionally influential peripartum period. Working with new moms and their families has allowed me to combine all aspects of my work that I have enjoyed and have proven to be successful at: providing a safe space when the client feels exceptionally vulnerable, contextualizing client’s experience within a social framework, all with a focus on gender and gender roles.

What makes your practice different and unique? / How are you making the world a better place?

Motherhood often leads moms to reflect on their past, analyze their relationships with parents or caretakers, and question how they want to raise their child or children. Because of my prior experience and training, the therapy I provide assists clients in focusing on some common themes of motherhood, including connection, silence, bravery, and frustration. I can help clients understand triggers, learn to ask for help, and gain an understanding of how they wish to make their impact on the world through the experience of motherhood. I strongly believe everyone deserves support during this stage of life, and I am honored and humbled to be one of those people for my clients. In my most challenging role, I strive to make the world a better place by raising two daughters who are kind, empathetic, generous, and brave. It can be strenuous, draining, rewarding and beautiful, and I believe it has made me a stronger clinician.  

Whats coming up for you?

My partner and I opened our group private practice, Willow Tree Wellness, in downtown Southington in January 2019. We plan on offering a guest speaker series, in addition to several groups in the near future, which will be promoted on our website and facebook page.

How can people find you to learn more?     

There are several ways to get in touch with me:

Phone: (860) 378-8577

Email: willowtreewellnessct@gmail.com

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/225152

Website: www.willowtreewellnessct.com

Facebook: @willowtreewellnessct