It takes courage to heal. It takes connection to thrive. And you don’t have to do either alone.
About Me
Hi, I’m Kaitlin Pignatiello, LCSW-C; licensed in Maryland. I’m a therapist, an Air Force veteran, and someone who understands that life can take us through seasons we never expected. My own experiences have shaped the way I see therapy: I don’t believe healing is about “fixing” yourself. I believe it’s about understanding yourself, reconnecting with who you are, and finding the courage to move forward.
My path to becoming a therapist grew from a genuine desire to support people through some of life’s hardest moments. I have experience working with trauma, veterans, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship challenges, life transitions, crisis situations, and the many ways that stress can affect our mental and emotional well-being. I have a particular appreciation for the experiences of service members, veterans, and their families, and I understand how difficult it can be to transition between different identities and chapters of life.
My work is grounded in the belief that therapy should feel human. I want my clients to feel comfortable being honest, vulnerable, frustrated, confused, or simply having a bad day. You don’t have to come into therapy with everything figured out. We can figure it out together.
I use a trauma-informed and collaborative approach, incorporating EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, mindfulness, and other evidence-based techniques depending on what each individual needs. I’m not interested in putting people into boxes or using a one-size-fits-all approach. Your story, your experiences, your strengths, and your goals all matter.
I also believe that wellness extends beyond what happens inside a therapy session. As someone who values fitness, movement, healthy living, and balance in my own life, I believe caring for our mental health and caring for our bodies are deeply connected. Sometimes wellness means processing trauma or learning to regulate difficult emotions. Sometimes it means setting boundaries, rebuilding relationships, finding purpose, getting back into a routine, or learning how to make yourself a priority.
And then there’s Theodore Waffles—my four-legged therapy assistant and an important part of the warmth I hope to bring into my practice. Teddy has a natural ability to make people feel welcome and at ease, and he reminds me that sometimes connection doesn’t require words at all.
I created Courage & Connection Therapy & Wellness because I wanted to build a space that reflects what I believe therapy should be: genuine, compassionate, individualized, and focused on the whole person.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out. You just have to be willing to take the first step.