Kathryn “Kitty” Boardway MSC, LMFT

Welcome,  I’m Kathryn. I’m one of the Owners and Clinical Directors of Grounded Roots Mental Health Therapy and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With over a decade of experience in mental health care, my work centers on helping individuals heal from trauma and understand themselves more deeply, so they can move beyond survival and build a life that feels steadier, more connected, and more their own.

Throughout my career, I’ve supported a wide range of clients, including children with Autism, foster youth, survivors of sex trafficking, veterans, and adults navigating complex and severe mental health challenges. I’ve worked across community-based systems, leadership roles, and private practice.  These experiences have shaped a clinical approach that is both deeply compassionate and grounded in real-world understanding.

At the heart of my work is a belief that people make sense once we understand their story and their nervous system. I spend a lot of time helping clients understand why their brain responds the way it does, why certain thoughts repeat, why emotions feel overwhelming, and why old survival strategies can linger long after the danger has passed. When clients understand what’s happening in their brain and body, shame softens, self-trust grows, and real change becomes possible.

My practice is trauma-informed and client-centered, with experience supporting individuals navigating PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, co-dependency, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and related concerns. I integrate evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and R eprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP). This allows therapy to be tailored to each client’s needs, strengths, and readiness.

My goal is not just to help clients feel better in session, but to help them leave therapy equipped for life. Together, we work toward building insight, emotional regulation, resilience, and practical tools that can be used across relationships, stressors, and future challenges. I strive to create a space that feels safe, collaborative, and empowering, where healing is possible, understanding replaces self-blame, and growth feels sustainable.

My ultimate goal is to empower my clients to move beyond survival and embrace a life of thriving and fulfillment. Through a heart-centered, trauma-informed approach, I aim to foster healing, growth, and resilience, guiding each client toward a stronger and more hopeful future.