About Katherine Berko, LCSW — Psychotherapist in New York
Welcome
Hi, I’m Katherine, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a licensed psychotherapist (LCSW) in New York, offering out-of-network, private-pay virtual therapy to adults and couples throughout New York City and New York State. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning to it, this page is meant to give you a sense of who I am and what I bring to the work.
I’m a writer and former journalist, and my interest in storytelling is central to how I practice therapy. I was drawn to this work because I found I cared less about telling people’s stories for publication and more about listening closely, helping people understand themselves, and supporting real change in their lives. I believe words have power — both on the page and when spoken aloud — and that being deeply heard can be transformative.
Why I Do This Work
I’m drawn to psychodynamic, relational, and psychoanalytic therapy because these approaches value curiosity, depth, and genuine understanding. The teachers who shaped me most in graduate school worked this way — their questions reflected a deep interest in the inner world, and a capacity to understand people beyond surface-level symptoms.
This kind of therapy goes beyond fixing what feels “wrong.” It’s about really looking at yourself, understanding long-standing patterns, and making room for a more authentic way of living. My role is to help you reflect, make meaning of your experiences, and feel less alone as you do that work.
My approach is also informed by mindfulness practices, including insights from the Plum Village tradition, which emphasize presence, compassion, and noticing patterns in the mind and heart. These values naturally support the reflective, relational nature of my work.
My Background
I received my undergraduate degree from Duke University where I studied psychology, journalism, and creative writing, and received my Master of Social Work from NYU. After graduate school, I completed a two-year intensive psychoanalytic training at the New York Counseling and Guidance Service. I’ve also trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), the Tavistock method for couples, art therapy, and incorporate elements of the Gottman Method in my work with couples.
Earlier in my career, I spent time at a health humanities lab exploring how literature and the arts can help patients advocate for themselves in healthcare settings and mitigate physician burnout — work that continues to influence how I think about language, meaning, and care.
I’m a member of the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work and participate in the New Directions conferences for therapists and writers.
Who I Work With
I work with adults and couples who are seeking deeper self-understanding, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of authenticity. I also have experience supporting writers, artists, performers, and other creative professionals — including those navigating creative blocks, career pressures, or the emotional demands of meaningful work.