Professional Counselor & Somatic Therapist, Registered-Dance/Movement Therapist
Therapy for children and adults, ages 10+
Kathryn Pedersen
As a therapist who specializes in Dance Movement Therapy, I believe in the full integration of mind and body in the therapeutic process. I strive to provide a space where all parts of you can be seen and accepted. I want to hear your story and support you as you cultivate a more compassionate relationship with your body and mind.
I specialize in supporting people dealing with complex trauma, anxiety, struggles with identity, neurodiversity, and body image issues. I am strongly committed to challenging systems and narratives that tell people their worth is tied to their size or ability. Everyone deserves to inhabit their body with dignity, compassion, and freedom from shame.
I see therapy as a collaborative process, building from a place of safety and authenticity. Together, we will cultivate a sense of open curiosity to help you find and use your inner strengths and resilience. My process is strongly rooted in body justice and fat liberation, and I approach our time together through trauma-informed and neuro-affirming lenses in order to decolonize the therapeutic process. These values will guide our verbal and embodied processing, and our work together in these ways will help you to connect the body and mind and aid you in self exploration. We will find a pace and structure that feels safe for your body and mind, and give you a space to step into your most authentic self.
About Me:
I’m really into all things cozy! I enjoy curling up with my cat (who you will almost certainly meet in virtual sessions) and a book or video game. I also enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s visiting botanic gardens or finding a quiet spot to do some forest bathing.
Education:
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dance/Movement Therapy, Lesley University, 2026
R-DMT (Registered-Dance/Movement Therapist), American Dance Therapy Association
What are your top specialties?
I am excited to work with anyone who is curious about deepening their understanding of themselves and how they view the world. Those who crave authenticity and desire to show up to the therapy space exactly as they are, even if it feels messy or hard, are my kind of people. My approach is neuroaffirming, and I love working with all forms of neurodiversity.
What would you say to someone considering therapy with you?
If you have tried traditional talk therapy before but felt that something was missing, my somatic, body-based approach may be what you are looking for. If you are feeling curious about dance/movement therapy, I invite you to listen to that curiosity and give it a try! I welcome all of your questions, doubts, and fears. Wherever you are in your healing journey, I am here to offer a gentle, compassionate space for you.
What insurance do you accept?
BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, and Cigna/Evernorth,
What does a typical session with you look like?
Sessions with me are very much client-led, so they can vary a lot. I often take a conversational approach, including some somatic or body-based work throughout the session as needed/wanted by the client. Being a Dance/Movement therapist, clients often wonder if that means they will have to learn dance steps or if they will be moving the whole session. If you are interested in trying it but aren’t sure what to expect, let me assure you that absolutely anyone can do this kind of therapy, and no prior dance training or movement ability is needed. DMT is about listening to your body, and using that awareness to inform the healing process. A lot of times this looks like slowing down, noticing your breath, or doing some movements or gestures to express things that words cannot. We will take things slowly and gently, and I always make sure to spend some time in our first sessions discussing what you want our work to look like. We will make a plan together.
Who is your ideal client?
Moments when I get to witness someone making a connection that deepens their understanding of and compassion towards themselves drives my passion for therapy. This work can be heavy and difficult, but it can be joyful too. I am a good fit for those who are desiring to drop the mask they’ve learned to wear, and step into a more compassionate, authentic version of themselves.
How do clients describe you?
Approachable, authentic and collaborative.
Kathryn’s Approach
Dance Movement Therapy:
Your body has its own story to tell, and in Dance Movement Therapy, we listen through motion, posture, and sensation. Guided movement, imagery, and creative exploration invite you to slow down, feel more fully, and access layers of experience beneath the surface. By stepping away from words, even just for a moment, you create space to notice, release, and grow, which allows your body to teach you how to feel more grounded, present, and alive.
My work is also informed by Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic Therapy.
Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.
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Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.
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Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a creative, evidence-based psychotherapy that uses movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. Grounded in the mind-body connection, it helps individuals process trauma, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation when traditional talk therapy falls short.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is frequently used as an evidence-based psychotherapy, helping people heal by accessing and healing their protective and wounded inner parts.
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Somatic interventions are therapeutic techniques that focus on the body and its relationship with the mind and emotions. They aim to promote physical and psychological well-being by addressing bodily sensations, movement, and awareness.
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce stress & enhance wellbeing through mindfulness practices, like meditation, body scans & mindful movement. to encourage present-moment awareness & acceptance.
Top Specialties:
Anxiety
Body Image
Self Esteem
Areas of Expertise:
ADHD
Autism
Coping Skills
Depression
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Book with Kathryn.
Interested in working together? Fill out the form below, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Questions about insurance?
Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.