Kate van der Merwe, LMSW
Associate Therapist
Specialties: Anxiety, Body-Image, Life Transitions, Trauma Recovery, Relationship Patterns, Perfectionism
Clients: College students and adults
Hi, I’m Kate.
You’ve done the self-reflection. You’ve read the books, journaled your thoughts, maybe even tried therapy before. But something still feels stuck—like there’s a deeper layer you haven’t quite reached.
That’s where I come in.
Together, we’ll explore:
The roots of your struggles—relationships, early experiences, internal narratives
The patterns you keep bumping up against
Practical tools that actually help in the day-to-day
With a background in public health, anthropology, and mental health systems, I deeply respect how healing is shaped by your inner world and your external context—culture, systems, and the communities you move through.
This is therapy for people who are thoughtful, self-aware, and ready to go deeper—not just to feel better, but to feel more like themselves.
My Approach
I integrate relational and psychodynamic therapy with skills-based practices from DBT, ACT, CBT, and mindfulness—so we’re not just exploring why you feel stuck, but also building tools to help you navigate life with more clarity and ease.
What this means for you:
We’ll explore the deeper roots of your experiences—your past, your relationships, your self-talk
We’ll build practical, everyday tools for managing overwhelm, navigating conflict, and connecting with yourself
Our work will support real, sustainable change, not just symptom relief
My background in public health and anthropology helps me hold space for your individual story and the broader systems you're navigating—because therapy should honor both.
What Working With Me Feels Like
I bring warmth, curiosity, and intention to every session. I’m not the kind of therapist who stays silent or detached—I’m actively engaged, reflective, and right there with you. Whether we’re exploring deep-rooted beliefs, navigating emotional overwhelm, or untangling relationship patterns, I’ll meet you with compassion, honesty, and care.
Therapy with me is collaborative and grounded in trust. I’ll follow your lead and move at a pace that feels safe, attuned, and respectful of you and your needs. Therapy with me is a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out—just a willingness to show up and explore what’s asking for your attention.
What We Work On Together
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Anxiety Spirals
The kind of anxiety where your mind just won’t shut off no matter where you are or what you’re doing
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Relationship Dynamics
Exploring relationships with loved ones (friends, partners, family) that leave you feeling unseen + misunderstood
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Finding Your Way Through Change
Life transitions and identity shifts that leave you feeling stuck, lost, or unsure of what’s next
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Burnout + Perfectionism
Working through the years of not feeling “enough” that have led to the pressure to never slow down
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Body Image + Self-Worth
Working with your mind and body to unlearn old narratives and learn to feel at home in yourself
Credentials
Education
Master of Social Work + Master of Public Health Dual Degree—Columbia University School of Social Work
B.A. in Anthropology + Global Health—Middlebury College
Clinical Experience
New York State Psychiatric Institute
NYC public schools
My Toolkit
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance + Commitment Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma-Informed Care
Current Role
Associate Therapist—Gluck Psychology Collective
Let’s Work Together
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or ready to make space for your own healing—I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Click the link below to get started.
