Katherine Velardo

Life can feel like an unending list of tasks and your own care falls to the bottom of it. You might feel burnt out, weighed down by shame or self-doubt, or disconnected from the people around you. Maybe you’re trying to figure out who you are—your identity, your place in your community, or how to stay true to yourself in relationships and family. You deserve a space where you feel supported, seen, and affirmed for who you are. Life throws curveballs, and there’s nothing wrong with carving out time to reflect on your best path forward. What you want to do or achieve may not be known now. Though with time, outlined goals, and continued support, you can find the tools and solutions that work for you in a space you’re comfortable in.

Hi, I’m Katherine Velardo, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate. I am passionate about creating intentional spaces for people to explore their identities, emotions, and experiences. 

My approach is collaborative. You are an expert on your life and the work we do will be guided by your goals. I’ll ask questions, reflect back what I hear, and share tools when they’re useful, but you set the pace and direction. Activities could range from drawing to guided worksheets; the priority is finding what is useful to you. While we may start out as strangers, with time you can choose what and when you feel comfortable sharing. 

Together, we’ll focus on the changes that matter most to you—whether that’s feeling less burnt out, processing loss or life transitions, or finding joy in who you are. As you discover what works for you, you can let go of shame, move past what’s been holding you back, and connect more deeply with others and yourself. Taking time to honor your experiences and explore how you want to show up can help you step into new chapters with clarity and confidence. 

I work primarily with queer and neurodivergent folks of all genders, cultural backgrounds, abilities, races, and life experiences. My practice ranges from late teens to older adults focusing on navigating life transitions or changes, identity exploration, and building healthy relationships with others and themselves. 

I recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina State University (Go Pack!). I have worked on many research projects and am passionate about approaching mental health from a well-rounded and culturally grounded perspective. If you’re interested in mindfulness, queer theory, having your culture not just present but integrated into your treatment, de-colonization or intergenerational trauma, we have a lot to talk about. I serve clients under the wonderful direct clinical supervision of Amber Diamond Green, LCMHC-S. 

Outside of therapy, I love being outside or upcycling and thrifting for treasures. Whether it’s working with clay, sewing, or jewelry making, I’m crafting and sitting with my cat Samoa (I have many photos on deck, just ask). I deeply appreciate radical joy and humor to break up the day-to-day grind. I am on the hunt for really good Italian and Puerto Rican food in the triangle area, so if you have any recommendations I’m all ears. Lastly but equally important, my queer identity deeply informs my values and how I operate, aka I’m glad to get to know you as you are or wish to become. 

Finding the right therapist can be tough, and you’ve already completed the first step (searching… yay!). Therapy doesn’t have to feel daunting, I’m here to support you and keep it real every step of the way. Let’s chat and figure out what healing and growth can look like for you.