Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katheryn Barton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Katheryn, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

One of the most important learning experiences in my professional journey came when I transitioned from working as a sign language interpreter—a flexible, on-the-go kind of job, with a lot of transitions—to an office position with the state of Missouri as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist. I was excited to be supporting clients who were Deaf or hard of hearing in a new way, advocating for them and helping them navigate employment and education goals. But what I didn’t expect was just how difficult it would be for me to adjust to the structure and environment of a traditional office job.

The work was meaningful, but the setting? Not so much. Sitting at a desk for hours, staying focused on paperwork, keeping everything organized—it all felt way harder than it *should* have. I watched colleagues manage their caseloads and paperwork with what seemed like ease, while I constantly felt behind, distracted, or just overwhelmed. At first, I thought I just needed to try harder or be more disciplined. But eventually, I started to wonder if maybe there was something else going on.

That’s when I began exploring the possibility of ADHD. That journey opened up a whole new understanding of how my brain works—how I process information, what environments support my success, and where I need tools or strategies to stay on track. Getting that insight was life-changing. It helped me reframe the challenges I’d faced not as personal failures, but as a mismatch between how I work best and the structure I’d been placed in.

This experience pushed me into a season of self-discovery, reflection, and ultimately, growth. I learned how to work *with* my brain, instead of constantly trying to fight it. I found ways to stay focused, create structure that works for me, and stay motivated in ways that feel sustainable. All of that led me to where I am today—running my own private practice, showing up for my clients every day with energy and intention, and designing a work life that actually supports my strengths.

That chapter taught me that sometimes, the discomfort we feel is actually a signal pointing us toward deeper understanding. It was a turning point that helped me embrace who I am, quirks and all, and build a professional life that feels authentic, aligned, and empowering.

Katheryn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a therapist specializing in couples work. I help people move from chaos to connection in their relationships—working through misunderstandings, emotional patterns, and communication breakdowns to help partners truly *see* and *understand* each other again.

My path to becoming a therapist started at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), where I completed my counseling program. When I first started, I actually thought I wanted to work with children—but pretty quickly realized that it didn’t light me up the way I thought it would. I was coming from a school setting as a sign language interpreter, so I already had experience working with kids, but when I thought about doing therapy with children (and navigating the parent dynamics that often come with that), it honestly just felt like a lot of pressure—and not the best fit for me.

That’s when I started to explore couples therapy, which I know sounds a little wild to some people. I can’t tell you how many times people have said, “Wait—you *want* to work with couples?! You must be brave (or crazy)!” And yeah, I get it. Relationships can be intense. But for me, that intensity felt meaningful, not scary.

I come from a divorced family, and I witnessed a lot of the behind-the-scenes—hurt, resentment, anger, and miscommunication that never got fully resolved. So the idea of helping other couples *not* end up in that place really resonated with me. I knew that if I could help people slow down, get to the root of their emotional reactions, and really *listen* to themselves and their partners, real healing and transformation could happen.

That’s the core of what I do. I help couples cut through the noise—those looping arguments, the built-up frustration, the feeling of “we’re just not getting each other anymore”—and get to the deeper emotional level where real change happens. I guide them toward more honest communication, more connection, and more compassion—for themselves and each other.

My approach is always grounded in the belief that things *can* get better. My brand and my work come from a hopeful, encouraging place. I believe your life can improve in big ways—and that often starts with your relationships. When we feel more connected and secure in our partnerships, that has a ripple effect into every other part of life.

What I’m most proud of is creating a space where people feel safe to show up as their full selves, even when things are messy. Whether it’s couples on the brink of disconnect or partners just wanting to strengthen what they already have, I’m here to help them understand each other more deeply, communicate more clearly, and build something stronger together.

If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients or followers to know, it’s this: You don’t have to settle for just “getting by” in your relationship. With the right support, insight, and effort, you can create something meaningful, loving, and real—and I’d be honored to help you get there.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe one of the most important keys to succeeding in this field is knowing yourself—and making space to *really* slow down and check in with that inner knowing on a regular basis.

Therapists hold a lot: we’re invited into people’s most vulnerable moments, and we have to be present, grounded, and emotionally attuned to do that work well. And I’ve found that you can’t offer that kind of presence to others if you’re disconnected from yourself. Understanding your own limits, strengths, and values—and being honest with yourself about what you need to stay balanced—is essential.

It’s not just about pushing through or doing “more.” It’s about staying aligned with why you’re doing the work in the first place. I try to check in with myself often: Am I showing up in a way that reflects my values? Am I working in a way that’s sustainable? Am I honoring my energy and boundaries so I can show up fully for my clients?

Slowing down is a skill in itself, especially in a world that constantly pushes productivity and hustle. But in this work, slowing down creates space—for reflection, clarity, and deeper connection with both yourself and your clients. That kind of intentionality is what allows you to not just *do* the work, but to do it with integrity and longevity.

So yes, training matters—but knowing yourself, honoring your pace, and staying connected to your purpose? That’s what makes this work truly sustainable and meaningful.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has honestly been networking—but not in the traditional, transactional sense. It’s been about *authentic connection*—meeting people from all kinds of fields and backgrounds, being curious about who they are and what they do, and finding meaningful ways to collaborate and support one another.

I really believe in the power of diversifying your circle. You never know when someone will be a great fit, or when their unique skill set will complement yours in an unexpected way. Whether it’s another therapist, a healthcare provider, someone in the education system, or someone doing something totally different—those relationships have opened doors, created referrals, and most importantly, enriched my understanding of how to show up for my clients in more well-rounded ways.

But it’s not just about business growth—it’s about building genuine, lasting connections. When I meet someone, my first goal isn’t “how can this help my practice?” It’s more like, “Who are you? What’s your story?” I think people can feel when you’re showing up authentically, and that energy tends to come back around in the best ways.

So in short: building real relationships, staying open to unexpected connections, and being myself in every interaction—that’s been the heart of how my practice has grown.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://upliftcounselingandmediation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upliftandconnectcounseling/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katheryn-barton-2b05508/

Image Credits

Heidi Drexler