My name is Shira Malka Katz and I have been a mental health therapist for the past 7 years. I recently started my own practice, Embers Counseling. I specialize in trauma, depression, and navigating life’s challenges and I use EMDR, inner child work and expressive therapies in my practice.

I grew up in Baltimore and have never left! I have taught in many local schools and volunteer as a Madricha at JTAP. I am currently teaching Introduction to Counseling at WITS.  I love being able to teach what I am so passionate about and to help students apply psychology to their own lives.

I enjoy being creative and using various expressive therapies to help people understand themselves better. It is powerful to be part of someone’s healing and growth journey and to be able to help them get to the root of what they’re struggling with so they can live more fully.

Something people are surprised to hear is that even though I talk to people all day for my job, I hate making small talk in social settings! I never know what to talk about! I’m more interested in people’s deepest hopes and insecurities than the weather and Jewish geography!

Take the time to understand yourself and heal old wounds and unhealthy patterns. The more you do that, the more you’re able to support yourself instead of needing something outside of you to feel okay.

Something I try to live by and impart to my clients is to take things slowing, day by day, after all “we are human beings, not human doings!” Life is busy and if you get swept up in it you can miss out on being present and enjoying life. Self-worth is not based on how much you do and accomplish.

I try to practice what I preach and do self-care often. One of my favorite things to do is to sit in a garden and relax. I have been sharing some beautiful places to check out with clients and students- I might have to find myself a new spot!