Dr. Kaity Swecker

Kaity Swecker, PhD, LMFT-Associate (they/them)

Founder & Clinician

Looking for rates? Go here.

As a therapist, my specialty is helping with self-esteem, self-confidence, and body image, especially in LGBTQIA+, autistic, and ADHD populations. I know what it's like to struggle with these issues, and want to help you feel good about your body and your life.

With years of experience as a Medical Marriage and Family Therapist, I also am skilled in integrated care, and can work alongside physicians and other professionals to support care. I know many chronic illnesses also come with a lot of exhaustion with life, feeling like your body is fighting you, and frustration with the medical system. Let me help you advocate with your care team to get you what you need.

I primarily work with teens and adults, and am happy to work with individuals, partners/spouses, and families. I'm also one of few providers in Lubbock who is happy and comfortable to see polycules as well - feel free to reach out if you need an ENM friendly provider.

My approach to therapy is centered on my clients - I believe in taking a culturally sensitive approach and welcome those from different cultural backgrounds in my room! I take an anti-racist, intersectional, and decolonizing stance to therapy, and am always actively working to deconstruct my biases. I utilize my own personal blend of experiential, Narrative, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy models when helping you create change in your life.

Interested? Please reach out to kaity.swecker@a-new-chapter-therapy.com to see if you would be a good fit!

Want to see my presentations, publications, and more? Check that out here.

What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

A marriage and family therapist is a mental health professional trained in systems theory. This is different from psychology-based fields such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Systems theory, at its core, says that everything that happens in our life is part of a cycle, whether we are aware of it or not. Sometimes, people are stuck in their cycles with seemingly no way out.

As a therapist, my job then is to 1) understand the cycle, 2) figure out where it isn't helpful for you, and 3) help you break that cycle. As the name of the profession implies, I can see partners/polycules and families, AND individuals! I am trained to work with varying groups and numbers of people in the room.

My regular services are appropriate for anyone who is appropriate for out-patient mental health care.

The requirements vary from state to state, but in Texas, there are a couple of stages you must meet to obtain your first license, which is the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-Associate).

To reach this stage, you must have:

A Master's or doctoral degree in an appropriate mental health field, preferably marriage and family therapy, from an accredited university (COAMFTE is the national accrediting organization for our field).
Passed a jurisprudence exam (essentially an exam over the laws of your state of practice) and the national AMFTRB exam.
A supervisor that is guiding you in your work.

The next stage is obtaining your full licensure, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am currently working towards full licensure. The requirements for Texas are as follows:

3000 total hours
1500 "direct" hours (minimum) - meaning hours doing actual therapy
1500 "indirect" hours (minimum) - time spent doing documentation, running a business, or other clinically related activities.
200 hours of supervision (minimum) - 200 hours being supervised by your licensed supervisor

Where are you in this process?

I am currently working towards full licensure. I have:

A completed Master's degree in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University (and a Doctorate!)
Passed the AMFTRB and the Texas jurisprudence exam.
Obtained a supervisor (Dr. Heather Austin-Robilliard)
Just shy of 3000 hours of direct and indirect experience across clinical work completed in my master's program, my doctoral program, and my private practice work.

To enhance my clinical ability and to maintain my current abilities:

I have earned a Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy.
I work a second job at the University Medica Center (UMC) on 4th St in the Pediatrics unit, as well as the Endocrinology clinic with Dr. Nancy Beck as a Medical Marriage and Family Therapist (MedFT) to continue to enhance my integrated care skills.
Taking continuing education courses (currently 15 hours a year, as required by Texas)
Reading clinical books and research articles to gain exposure to and knowledge of advancements in the field.

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