About

Katie has practiced as a therapist for over 20 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Denver in 1992 where she studied English, Psychology, and Education.

She obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in 2005 from the Joint Master of Social Work Program at UNC Greensboro and NC A&T SU with a focus on mental health and counseling. She has been a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in NC since 2008 and in VA since 2016.

Katie has received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy from the EMDR Institute and the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Both organizations were created by Dr. Francine Shapiro, the founder of EMDR. Katie achieved and maintains EMDR Certification and is a Member of EMDRIA.

Interested in research, Katie has studied the effectiveness of EMDR with veterans. Other areas of interest are EMDR for the treatment of phantom limb pain, posttraumatic growth, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and parts work for dissociation.

Publication: Fairbanks, C. L. D., Penix-Smith, E. A., Glitsos, S. C., Keener, K. D., Giorgio, J. M., Poulos, K. H., Albinson, L. F., Baker, C. E., McGuirl, C. A., & Wisniewski, S. P. (2025). A multisite retrospective review exploring the delivery of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to veterans via telehealth (TH) versus in person (IP). Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001917 

In addition to private practice, Katie has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health, crisis services, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, residential PTSD treatment, non-profit HIV/AIDS Service Organization (ASO), and managing a federal housing first program for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Katie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.