Meet Dr. Kaleigh Urban

We are excited to announce we have a new Post Doctoral Resident joining the team! Each time a new therapist joins our group we have them share some of who they are as a person and therapist to highlight the unique strengths and areas of specialization they bring. To that end we share a brief interview with Dr. Kaleigh Urban:

What inspired you to pursue a career as a therapist?

I’ve always loved working with children and had a natural passion for helping people, but it took me a little time to figure out exactly how I wanted to do that. Early on, I realized how important it is for kids to have someone who listens and encourages them to express themselves instead of shutting down. As I grew, I became really aware of the importance of advocacy, especially around women’s issues and the ways trauma can silence people. What really inspires me is giving people a voice, helping a child put words to feelings they’ve never shared, or supporting an adult in telling their story for the first time.

What is your favorite thing about being a therapist?

My favorite part of being a therapist is when things finally start to click for a client. There’s something so powerful about watching someone put the pieces together and realize something that maybe never made sense to them before. In those moments, you can almost see the weight lift off their shoulders. It brings a sense of peace and freedom that is really beautiful to witness. I love being able to sit with people in that process and to know that they’re walking away with a little more clarity and hope than they had before. Those are the moments that remind me why I do this work.

What are your specialties and what drew you to them?

I’m drawn to working with children, adolescents, clients who have experienced trauma, and those on the autism spectrum. My interest in autism started when I was working in a hospital setting, and I quickly realized how rewarding it is to support clients as they learn new skills and celebrate those small, meaningful moments of growth. It’s incredible to see them engage in ways that feel authentic to who they are and to be part of their journey as they build confidence and independence.

Trauma work became especially meaningful to me once I understood that it’s really about building trust and being invited into someone’s inner circle. I feel so honored to sit with clients as they revisit and work through experiences they’ve survived, and it’s inspiring to witness the strength it takes to face and process those moments. Watching clients move toward understanding, resilience, and healing is deeply rewarding. What keeps me going in this work is creating space for clients to be heard, to grow, and to feel empowered in their own lives. Those moments of insight and connection are exactly why I do this work.

Working with children and adolescents lets me step into their world, helping them put feelings into words and teaching them skills to manage their emotions. I also love working with parents, helping them see things from their child’s perspective and find ways to connect more deeply. Watching families grow closer, strengthen their relationships, and improve communication is incredibly meaningful. Those moments of connection are what make this work so special to me.

What makes you unique as a therapist?

I think what makes me unique as a therapist is my trauma-informed and relational approach. I strive to create a safe and trusting space where clients feel seen and understood, which allows them to explore challenging experiences at their own pace. I also love bringing my own passions into therapy when it feels right for the client. I often integrate art, music, and spirituality into sessions, which can create unique ways for clients to express themselves, process emotions, and explore their experiences. Sometimes a drawing, a song, or a reflective mindfulness practice can open up insights or feelings that words alone might not capture. I find that incorporating these elements not only enriches the therapy experience, but also allows clients to connect with their creativity and sense of self in a meaningful and healing way.

How would you describe your therapeutic approach?

My approach to therapy is really about meeting people where they are and listening to what they truly need. I want clients to feel heard, understood, and respected, so I focus on building a strong, collaborative relationship. I use a humanistic perspective to emphasize empathy and connection, and I combine that with evidence-based tools like DBT, CBT, and TF-CBT to help people manage emotions, develop coping skills, and work through challenges. I try to create a space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, grow at their own pace, and leave with a greater sense of understanding and confidence in themselves.

What is your favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes is by Brené Brown: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” I love this because it reminds me that true strength and growth come from showing up fully, being present, and embracing vulnerability, even when it’s difficult.

What is one thing that is important for anyone to know?

One thing I believe is truly important for anyone to know is that every person’s experience matters and deserves to be heard. Whether someone is navigating trauma, mental health challenges, or the everyday struggles of life, being seen and truly understood can make an enormous difference. We often underestimate the quiet power of empathy and connection, the way a listening ear, a kind word, or genuine presence can open space for healing. Small acts of compassion, attention, and understanding have the ability to nurture growth, inspire resilience, and remind people that they are not alone. Sometimes simply being heard is the first step toward meaningful change.

What is your take on a current social issue?

One issue I feel especially passionate about is supporting survivors of sexual assault and trauma. Through my dissertation, which explored how responses to disclosure in adolescence can affect individuals into adulthood, I gained a deep understanding of how critical it is for survivors to feel heard, believed, and supported. Too often, people face stigma or barriers to accessing care, and the impact of unsupportive responses can last for years.

I believe it is essential to create spaces and services that are trauma-informed, accessible, and empowering. I am deeply committed to this work because I have seen the profound difference that compassionate, informed support can make in someone’s healing journey. Advocating for survivors, helping them find their voice, and supporting them as they navigate healing is something I carry into every session and hope to see reflected in our broader systems of care.

What is your therapeutic style

My style is all about connection and presence. I try to meet clients where they are, listen to what they need, and create a space where they feel safe to share honestly without fear of judgment. I focus on understanding each person’s unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths, and I aim to help them feel empowered to explore challenges and grow at their own pace. It’s important to me that therapy feels collaborative and supportive, so clients feel like they are active partners in their own healing. I also try to bring warmth, empathy, and patience into every session, celebrating small moments of insight or progress, and helping clients recognize the resilience and strengths they already possess.

Check out Dr. Kaleigh Urbans bio page for more on her approach to therapy. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or doing a brief phone consult with Dr. Urban please Contact our office.