Katie Hearnen

Counseling is my calling and my passion and something God has used and continues to use to turn challenges and obstacles I’ve faced in my own life for good to help and serve others (Romans 8:28). I started on my counseling journey in 2012 when He led me to pursue my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a Christian Counseling cognate from Liberty University. Upon completion, I worked as a clinical specialist, primarily working with youth, adolescents and their families in Aberdeen and surrounding communities. Desiring more education and skills, I went back to Liberty University and obtained my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020. While pursuing my degree, I worked as an Addictions counselor doing chemical dependency evaluations, hospital consults, facilitating Intensive Outpatient treatment and Aftercare groups and working individually with clients dealing with substance and gambling addictions. My approach to counseling is primarily hope and solution focused. I pull methods from several theoretical approaches depending on the need of the client I am working with. I am very passionate about helping individuals achieve optimal health in all areas of their life (mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.) and walking alongside them in difficult and challenging life circumstances. My background working in the health care field prior to my experience in mental health offered me knowledge and resources that are beneficial to my clients.

My faith in Christ and my calling to Christian counseling is something I am very passionate and excited to share with my clients. I strive to utilize my faith and education in my sessions with clients who are open to including Christ in the center of the therapeutic experience. However, I understand that not everyone’s journey draws toward clinical – faith driven practice and my heart is open to all people with a nonjudgmental, open heart. I love to embrace each individual on their journey and put myself in their shoes and understand their perspective.

I spent a majority of my childhood being raised on a farm near Conde, South Dakota and part of my childhood on a farm in Wisconsin. Being raised on a farm and getting my education at a small school are some of the best gifts I ever received in life and something I hold a lot of value and pride in. I am thankful for the values instilled in me by my hardworking dad and grandparents on the farm and my mom, who was a dedicated nurse my whole life as well as many other great influences that led me to be who I am today. Currently, I am raising my 3 kids in the small and wonderful community of Warner, SD. Spending time with my kids and cheering them on at their activities brings me so much joy. I also love being outdoors, CrossFit and am an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.