Welcome to The Image of You Counseling, LLC.
Empowering Your Journey Toward Mental Wellness
Are intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or self-doubt making you feel like you’ve lost yourself?
Welcome! I’m Katie Hummel, LCSW, an anxiety specialist and OCD therapist in St. Petersburg, and I focus on anxiety therapy for adults and couples in Pinellas County. I work with individuals and couples who feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, intrusive thoughts, relationship struggles, and emotional distress. If you’re searching for OCD and relationship counseling in St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County, you’re in the right place.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling disconnected—from themselves and from others. You might find yourself asking, 'Who am I anymore?' 'What do I want out of life?' 'Why do I keep suffering?' 'Will I ever feel happy?' or 'Why can’t I connect with people?' These experiences are common with OCD, anxiety, and unresolved trauma—and they are treatable.
I use evidence-based approaches, including CBT & ERP therapy, along with talk therapy to help clients manage intrusive thoughts, reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and build healthier relationships. My work as an anxiety OCD and relationship therapist in Pinellas County focuses on helping you understand your patterns, develop practical tools, and create lasting change—not just temporary relief.
In therapy, we work as a team—I’m right there with you, straightforward, down-to-earth, nonjudgmental, and actively engaged. I emphasize Embracing, Evolving, and Thriving—not just coping. My goal is to help you feel grounded, confident, and like yourself again. I bring warmth, honesty, and humor so therapy feels real, not clinical.
If you’re looking for private pay therapy for anxiety, OCD, and couples in Pinellas County, I’d be honored to support you. Reach out today to get started.
I offer individual and couples therapy for adults (18-100+) and provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community and individuals of all cultural and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. My practice is built on a foundation of respect, diversity, and equity.
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Empower Your Journey with The Image of You Counseling, LLC.
Embrace
At The Image of You Counseling, LLC, we are dedicated to being a leading Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County. Our mission is to provide compassionate counseling for individuals and couples facing emotional challenges, including psychological issues like OCD, anxiety, and deep-rooted pain. We offer specialized Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County, utilizing CBT therapy and ERP therapy to facilitate meaningful change, which is essential for personal growth and begins with looking inward. Our focus is on empowering you to overcome obstacles and achieve balance in your life through effective OCD and Relationship Therapy in Pinellas County. Additionally, we provide OCD Anxiety and Couples Counseling in St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County, ensuring that our services are accessible through Private Pay Therapy for Anxiety, OCD, and Couples in Pinellas County.
Evolve
Embracing the journey of evolution and personal growth, whether in our relationships or individually, allows us to evolve. Engaging with an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County, or participating in Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County, can equip you with new tools and strategies. These resources empower you to break free from old patterns, obsessions, compulsions, fears, and past habits. Additionally, utilizing OCD and Relationship Therapy in Pinellas County, including CBT, ERP, or EMDR, can play a crucial role in this transformative process. Each step forward is a celebration of your resilience and a commitment to building a brighter, more fulfilling future through OCD Anxiety and Couples Counseling in St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County, as well as exploring options for Private Pay Therapy for Anxiety, OCD, and Couples in Pinellas County.
Thrive
Once you have the tools, you truly begin to realize that your greatest strength lies within you. This newfound understanding empowers you to thrive in all aspects of life. The journey, guided by an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County, is about taking charge of your mind, body, and soul while prioritizing your happiness and peace. It’s essential to recognize that old wounds, chronic mental health issues like anxiety or OCD, and past trauma do not have to dictate your existence. Engaging in Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County can help you navigate these challenges. Remember, you can find support through OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County or seek OCD Anxiety and Couples Counseling in St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County. For those looking for flexibility, Private Pay Therapy for Anxiety OCD and Couples in Pinellas County is also available, providing personalized care tailored to your needs.
Types of Anxiety & Related Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) often endure intense feelings of worry or fear that persist most days for six months or longer. This anxiety can be connected to various life aspects, including relationships, careers, health, and safety. In fact, GAD impacts nearly 6% of adults at some stage in their lives. Symptoms, which can be challenging to control, may also encompass changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, digestive issues, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders. While some people might have a genetic predisposition to GAD, the condition may also be influenced by family dynamics and environmental factors. Although the specific causes remain unclear, diagnosis typically requires an evaluation by a healthcare provider or a mental health professional, such as an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County, who will ask targeted questions and assess the situation. Effective treatment options, including Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County, are available to help manage symptoms. For those seeking support, a couples therapist in St. Petersburg can assist couples navigating anxiety together, while an OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County can provide specialized care for those dealing with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Additionally, those interested in OCD Anxiety and Couples Counseling in St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County will find valuable resources. For flexibility, a Private Pay Therapist for Anxiety, OCD, and Couples in Pinellas County can also be a viable choice.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can significantly impact daily life, but therapies such as CBT therapy and ERP therapy have been shown to help manage symptoms effectively. For those seeking support, an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County or an Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County can provide valuable strategies for coping with OCD in relationships. Additionally, an OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County can offer specialized care, and those looking for more flexibility might consider Private Pay Therapy for Anxiety, OCD, and Couples in Pinellas County.
OCD is classified as its own category, separate from anxiety disorders, specifically within the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the DSM-5. This condition involves repeated, unwanted thoughts or urges (obsessions) and a compelling need to perform actions repeatedly (compulsions), impacting up to 3 million American adults. Effective treatments, such as CBT therapy and ERP therapy, can help manage symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life. Symptoms of OCD include:
- Feelings of fear regarding losing control of behavior
- An overwhelming need to clean excessively or a heightened fear of germs
- Anxiety about forgetting or losing items
- Arranging objects in a specific order
- Repeatedly checking that tasks have been completed
While the causes of OCD may be linked to genetics or traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood, they remain not fully understood. For those seeking help, consulting an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County or an anxiety specialist in St. Petersburg can provide valuable support. Additionally, an OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County can assist couples whose relationships are affected by the condition. For personalized care, finding a private pay therapist in Pinellas County who specializes in Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples can also be an option.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a condition where an individual experiences multiple panic attacks over an extended period. These panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, often without any apparent danger, and involve intense feelings of fear or sensations of losing control. Notably, this condition is more prevalent among females than males, with women being more than twice as likely to be affected. Individuals suffering from panic disorder may find relief through CBT therapy, which can help them manage these overwhelming feelings.
Symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Feeling weak
- Increased heart rate
- Light-headedness
- Pain in the chest
- Shaking or chills
- Sweating with or without feeling hot
- Upset stomach
A person with panic disorder often lives in intense fear of experiencing another panic attack, leading them to avoid places where such episodes have occurred. Similar to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the exact causes of panic disorder remain unclear. However, individuals who have experienced traumatic events or significant loss are at an increased risk. For those seeking support, consulting an anxiety therapist in Pinellas County or exploring ERP therapy can provide valuable coping strategies. Additionally, if you're looking for more specialized help, an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County or an OCD Therapist in St. Petersburg may also be beneficial, especially for those dealing with anxiety in relationships. Furthermore, a private pay therapist in Pinellas County can offer personalized care tailored to individual needs, making it easier for those seeking Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County to find the right support.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) involves fear or worry related to social interactions, and it is more commonly experienced by women than men, particularly among teens and young women, whose symptoms often tend to be more severe. Effective treatments for SAD, such as CBT therapy and ERP therapy, can help individuals manage their anxiety. Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include avoiding social situations or interactions, extreme shyness or fear of talking to new people, feelings of nervousness, embarrassment, or being judged, overthinking conversations, and ruminating about interactions with others. While the specific causes of social anxiety disorder are unclear, it may run in families, and stress and environmental factors could also play a role. If you're seeking support, an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County can provide guidance for those affected by SAD in relationships. Additionally, an Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County can help partners navigate challenges related to social anxiety, while an OCD Therapist in St. Petersburg can address overlapping symptoms. For those looking for flexibility, Private Pay Therapy for Anxiety, OCD, and Couples in Pinellas County may offer tailored support.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder involves intense fear or reactions related to being apart from those to whom the individual is attached. While these fears and reactions are normal for babies and young children, they can become a concern if individuals do not grow out of them around school age. This condition can also affect teens and adults, making it essential for families to seek help from an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County. This support can be beneficial for those dealing with this issue.
Symptoms of separation anxiety disorder include:
- Difficulty sleeping, leaving the house, or participating in activities that involve being away from a primary caregiver
- Extreme reaction when separated from a primary caregiver
- Fear or worry related to danger for a primary caregiver or self
- Feeling physically ill when separated from a primary caregiver
- Intense desire to constantly be with a specific person
The causes of separation anxiety disorder are not fully known. Traumatic experiences, instability at home, and stressful situations can increase the risk of this condition. Effective treatment options such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT therapy) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP therapy) can be utilized after an evaluation from an anxiety specialist in St. Petersburg or an OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County. For those seeking a more personalized approach, Private Pay Therapy for Anxiety, OCD, and Couples in Pinellas County may also provide the support needed.
Phobias
A phobia is a continuous, irrational, and intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. For example, an individual may experience a phobia of spiders or heights. To manage these fears, many find success through Anxiety Therapy for Adults and Couples in Pinellas County, such as CBT therapy, which effectively addresses the irrational thoughts and behaviors associated with phobias. For those seeking help, finding an anxiety specialist in St. Petersburg can also provide support in overcoming these challenges.
Phobia symptoms include:
- Avoiding something specific due to fear, such as needles or dogs
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Upset stomach
Phobias can stem from a traumatic event related to the feared object or from someone consistently expressing the dangers of what is feared. Additionally, sometimes the cause of a phobia is unrelated to the specific fear, or the cause remains unknown. For couples dealing with phobias, consulting an Anxiety OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County can offer valuable support. In more severe cases, ERP therapy may be utilized to gradually expose individuals to their fears in a controlled setting, often facilitated by an OCD and Relationship Therapist in Pinellas County. For those seeking flexibility, Private Pay Therapy for Anxiety, OCD, and Couples in Pinellas County may also be an option.
How Anxiety and Trauma Affect Relationships
Couples Counseling
Anxiety and unresolved trauma can significantly impact relationships by creating a cycle of fear and mistrust. Individuals dealing with unresolved trauma may experience hyper-vigilance, leading to constant guarding against potential threats, which can result in unfounded accusations or suspicion. This hyper-vigilance can also hinder emotional vulnerability and sharing deep feelings, fostering a fear of physical intimacy. Similarly, anxiety can cause individuals to feel overly alert or numb, adversely affecting their ability to communicate effectively and manage stress within relationships. This may lead to communication breakdowns, where partners shut down during arguments or feel overwhelmed by emotional conversations. Both anxiety and unresolved trauma contribute to a toxic environment in relationships, undermining trust and diminishing emotional intimacy. It is essential for individuals and couples to seek professional help, such as anxiety therapy for adults and couples in Pinellas County or specialized OCD and relationship therapy. At The Image of You Counseling, I offer private pay therapy for anxiety, OCD, and couples in Pinellas County, providing tailored support for healthier and more resilient partnerships. For those interested, here's a great article to read on the 10 Common Patterns Seen in Unresolved Relational Trauma | Psychology Today.