About

About Me


My name is Irina Katz. I’m a licensed psychotherapist in the District of Columbia and Illinois. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. Additionally, I am a trained in kundalini yoga teacher.

I work with adults who are struggling to build the types of relationships they crave. Some of my clients are looking for good friends and community, while others are struggling to find love. Still others find themselves pushing love away, even when it's available. What all of my clients have in common is that they feel anxious, powerless, or hopeless about their situations.

In our work together, we will discover the root of the obstacles, such as: cultural, minority, and assimilation issues, complex childhood trauma (including abuse), mental illness, too much stress, lack of healthy communication skills, or perhaps just basic incompatibility with another.

As an immigrant myself, I enjoy working with clients come from other nations where the norms are different and people live more communally. I live in the DC metro area with my husband and one-year-old daughter.

Specializations

I specialize in combining somatic therapy with talk therapy, as well helping individuals around cultural/migration issues.


I also have training & extensive experience working with clients who experience:

  • complex trauma & PTSD

  • relationship issues (attachment issues, codependency/addictions, family conflict, marital/premarital counseling, peer relationships, & adjustment to parenthood)

  • narcissistic personality

  • obsessions, compulsions & addictions

  • self-harm & suicide

  • grief

  • depression and anxiety


Somatic Therapy

The body must be incorporated into the healing process. Somatic (body) therapy connects us to our emotions and the cues they are sending to our mind. Somatic therapy should feel creative and fun!

In addition to talk therapy, I use the following somatic therapy modalities with clients:

  • transpersonal spiritual approaches

  • yoga

  • movement

  • art

  • breath work

  • meditation


Culture- and Migration-centered Therapy

Culture and migration impact our ability to successfully connect with others. Some issues may include:

  • cultural shame for seeking therapy

  • challenges to assimilating into the dominant culture (such as prejudice)

  • third culture kid issues

  • differences in values and customs

  • not belonging or feeling like an "other"

  • cultural bereavement