Meet Dr. Katie Lundin | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Katie Lundin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Katie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Working for others gave me the security of a steady paycheck, but I felt under-valued as a professional in the mental health industry. I realized that if I wanted to provide for my children in the way in which I envisioned, I would have to take a leap of faith to trust in myself and build my own reputation to generate the income I desired. In addition to monetary gain, I wanted the freedom of full control over my work schedule. As a mother to two small girls, I desperately wanted to create a schedule that would allow a better balance between work and participation in their lives. I did not want to miss events important to them. Now I don’t have to. If they have a school play, a competition, need a sick day, or want a vacation… I can finally organize my schedule to accommodate for that without fear of jeopardizing my professional position. I am the my boss. And I grant myself permission to be “Dr. Mom”….as the kids call me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I studied Psychology at New York University as an undergrad. I continued my education at Hofstra University where I received my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Still hungry for more knowledge, I pursued a Doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University. I worked with many varying populations, holding positions in clinics, schools, assisted living facilities, and private practices. The populations I served varied in age, gender, socioeconomic class, race, religion, and complexity. But the one thing each and every person had in common… is the need to connect with their therapist. When I see a patient, ALL of me belongs to that patient during their session. I am present mind, body and soul. I try to picture their experience as if I were walking in their shoes and relate with empathy while providing insight from my experience and training. That kind of connection between a patient and a doctor creates trust, devotion to the process, and loyalty. My patients terminate when they are better, and return should they encounter difficulties later in life. My business grew from referrals. I do not advertise anywhere. My caseload is full because patients recommend me. That is what I am most proud of. Serving my caseload well enough to be recommended.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friends were visiting I am sure we would be at the beach A LOT. Delicious places to eat is not difficult to find, from brunch at Sundy House to Sushi at Rise, there’s a list of places depending on cuisine. Should the nightlife be calling and they want to go out for drinks or dancing, South Beach or Las Olas has plenty of fun places to hop around in. I’m sure we will also fit in time to shop at Sawgrass Mills Mall. But hanging out, we would enjoy in my home. With a glass of wine in hand, we would probably enjoy one another’s company, stories and contagious laughter in my living room or around the fire pit in my backyard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was lucky enough to study under many great teachers who have opened my eyes to view the world from a systemic lens and have had brilliant mentors who taught by example of what makes a great therapist. But this shout out belongs to my parents. My parents took the greatest leap of faith when they left a communist country to journey into America with small children, elderly parents, no knowledge of the English language, and $10 in their pocket. As immigrants in this country, we did not have a home to call our own, food was scarce, and most of our belongings were compiled from trash thrown away by others. My parents worked several jobs to eventually afford us more, and my grandparents stepped into the role of child rearing. Through years of hard work and determination, my parents grew to be a great success. They started their own mom and pop auto repair shop in Brooklyn New York and grew it into a famous iconic business (Shout out to Lennys Auto Service). Through their tireless hard work, they afforded us children opportunities we never would have had in our country of birth. Their sacrifices were always visible to me and I wanted to repay them with my own hard work towards success. I am very grateful to them.

Website: www.WestonPsychcare.com
Facebook: FamilyPsychcare.com

Image Credits
Adam Opris