Katherine Illgen, LCSW, CCTP, C-DBT

Who I Work With

You Deserve a Life Without Constant Fear or Self-Doubt

Are you feeling stuck, like your thoughts won’t let you go? Does anxiety make it impossible to do the things you want, or does trauma leave you feeling unsafe in a world that feels overwhelming? If you’re nodding along, This is what I help with.

I work with people just like you every day. Whether it’s OCD, anxiety, or trauma, I understand how these struggles can take over your life, leaving you feeling frustrated, exhausted, and unsure of what to do next. I’m here to help you break free, find hope, and start feeling like yourself again.

Free 15-min Consultation

12+ YEARS

Experience

Hello! I am Katherine.

Owner of Manifest Wellness Counseling

Growing up as a biracial, neurodivergent child, I often felt like I didn’t belong. Trying to fit in while masking anxiety and ADHD left me in a constant battle with depression, but I didn’t have the tools or words to understand what I was experiencing.

Back then, mental health wasn’t something people talked about. It wasn’t until college that I met a professor who opened my eyes to the world of social work and the power of mental health support. Her guidance helped me change my life, and inspired me to help others do the same.

Over the years, I’ve worked in many settings, from emergency services to in-school mental health programs and outpatient therapy. Each experience has shaped the therapist I am today. My passion lies in helping others find their voice and create meaningful change in their lives - to manifest wellness.

What You Can Expect

Here is what makes me different and how I can help you create real, lasting change.

Real Solutions, Real Results

I focus on solutions, not just conversations. Using evidence-based techniques, I help you overcome trauma, anxiety, and OCD so you can move forward with confidence.

Authentic and Accessible Care

Therapy with me is real, warm, and down-to-earth. Whether we laugh or tackle tough truths, my goal is to create a safe space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Advocacy and Inclusivity

I’m a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, offering gender-affirming care letters and fostering a space where everyone feels valued and respected just as they are.

My Experience and Expertise

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and hold certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provider. With over 12 years of experience, I specialize in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among others. My training extends to evidence-based approaches like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and trauma-focused care.

I’m one of the few therapists in this area who offers these specialized services, which makes my approach uniquely tailored to individuals dealing with PTSD, OCD, and anxiety-related disorders. I’ve had the honor of helping clients achieve significant breakthroughs, whether it’s a client with OCD learning to trust their instincts again or someone overcoming trauma and no longer meeting PTSD criteria after therapy. I help people take control of their lives again.

My Values

At the core of my practice are values that create a safe, affirming space for everyone:

Integrity

I’m committed to your growth and will approach every session with honesty and care. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll guide you to someone who is, because your progress matters most.

Compassion

Every client deserves to feel understood and cared for. I strive to create a space where you feel supported no matter what you’re going through.

Unapologetic Authenticity

I encourage you to show up as you are, because that’s where the real work begins. In our sessions, I bring my authentic self so you can feel comfortable bringing yours.

In 2022, I signed the provider pledge with GALAP.

“GALAP is a grassroots, volunteer project that aims to increase access to free letters for gender-affirming medical care”.

Primary Therapist gender affirming surgery letters can be requested by active clients and secondary letters are available as appropriate to non-active clients of MWC when referred from GALAP. Client letters are only available in states that I am licensed in.

I use the Gender ASSET assessment and follow all WPATH SoC v8 recommendations. Feel free to reach out with questions.

Click to find more information about the GALAP initiative

You Are Worth Investing In Yourself

You’ve spent so much time carrying the weight of your fears, doubts, and the voice in your head telling you, "this is just the way things are." But what if it’s not? The truth is, you don’t have to keep struggling with the same overwhelming thoughts, sleepless nights, or the anxiety that keeps you from showing up as yourself. You are not your diagnosis, and you are not defined by your struggles. Investing in therapy is choosing to believe that you’re worth the time, care, and effort it takes to build the life you want.

Now is the best time to start because there’s no perfect moment to prioritize yourself. Life won’t wait, but the chance to reclaim it is here, right now. Every day you wait is another day spent holding yourself back, and you deserve better.