Kathleen Hanulec, LMSW
Location
In-person therapy in Port Jefferson, NY Virtual therapy throughout New York State
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Life Transitions Therapy
Anxiety and Depression Therapy
Specialties
Divorce and separation
Family conflict
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Anxiety disorders
Depressive disorders
Relationship difficulties
Life transitions
Stress and emotional overwhelm
Self-doubt and uncertainty
When You’re Getting Through the Day, But Feeling Overwhelmed
You may be managing responsibilities, showing up for others, and doing what needs to be done, but still feeling overwhelmed underneath it all.
Routine tasks may feel exhausting. It may be hard to stay focused, motivated, or emotionally balanced. You might feel like you are falling behind or just getting through the day.
At night, your thoughts may race. You may replay conversations, worry about the future, or dwell on perceived mistakes. Self-doubt, stress, and uncertainty can keep coming up, making it hard to rest and feel steady.
I’m Kathleen Hanulec, LMSW. I provide therapy in Port Jefferson and online throughout New York State for adults, couples, families, and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, divorce, separation, family conflict, and life transitions.
Why Work With Me
Many of the people I work with are seeking more than passive support. They want to understand themselves better, manage emotional challenges, and improve their overall quality of life.
They may be working through anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, or a life transition that has left them feeling uncertain. They may want healthier coping strategies, stronger communication, more fulfilling relationships, and greater control over their thoughts and behaviors.
My approach is collaborative, active, and goal-oriented. I work alongside clients to explore concerns in depth, identify and challenge unhelpful patterns, and develop practical strategies that support lasting growth.
If you are looking for a supportive, structured space where insight is paired with intentional action, this may be a good fit.
My Approach to Therapy
I help by providing a supportive, structured space where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment.
Together, we work to better understand the patterns that may be contributing to your concerns while identifying your strengths and goals for change. We may look at anxiety, depression, relationship stress, family conflict, trauma, grief, life transitions, or the thoughts and behaviors that feel hard to shift.
I use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, insight-oriented work, and skills-building.
The goal is to help you develop healthier ways of thinking, coping, and responding to challenges, while building greater self-awareness and a greater sense of control in your day-to-day life.
What Working With Me Is Like
In sessions, I offer a confidential, nonjudgmental space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Our work is collaborative and active. I will offer guidance, ask thoughtful questions, and at times gently challenge unhelpful patterns while supporting you in taking meaningful, realistic steps forward.
We may focus on developing healthier coping strategies, improving communication, strengthening resilience, or building the awareness and skills needed to create meaningful change in everyday life.
Over time, clients often feel more confident, more capable, and better able to navigate future challenges. The work is not only about symptom relief. It is also about personal growth, more fulfilling relationships, and improved quality of life.
Getting To Know Me
I am a licensed social worker with experience in clinical counseling, medical social work, and community-based advocacy. At Lightpath Counseling, I provide psychotherapy to children and adults through individual, couples, and family therapy.
Before private practice, I worked as a Medical Social Worker at Mather Memorial Hospital, where I supported patients and families during stressful and often complicated moments. I also worked as an Advocate with Pax Christi Hospitality Center, helping vulnerable individuals access essential resources, public benefits, and community services.
That range of experience helps me bring steadiness, perspective, and practical support to clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship strain, and major life transitions.
Outside of being a therapist, I value spending quality time with my family and caring for my pets. I also enjoy working on projects around the home and creating a comfortable, welcoming space. These parts of my life help me stay grounded and bring balance to my work with clients.
Begin Therapy in Port Jefferson
Starting therapy can be a place to slow down and better understand what has been feeling overwhelming, uncertain, or difficult to manage.
You do not have to have everything figured out before you begin.
Therapy can offer a supportive, structured space where you can process what you are carrying, develop healthier coping strategies, and take meaningful, realistic steps toward improving your quality of life.
If something here feels familiar, you can reach out to Lightpath Counseling Group.
Clinical Training & Credentials
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Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
New York State License
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Master of Social Work, Stony Brook University
Bachelor of Social Work, Stony Brook University, Magna Cum Laude
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Clinical Social Worker at Lightpath Counseling
Experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy
Medical Social Worker at Mather Memorial Hospital
Experience in psychosocial evaluations and discharge planning
Advocate with Pax Christi Hospitality Center
Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness
Experience in case management, crisis intervention, recovery-oriented care, grief counseling, and group facilitation
When You Feel Nothing Changes
If part of you is tired of going in circles, that matters. If you’re at the point where you almost make a decision and then pull yourself back, that matters too. Lightpath Counseling Group offers in-person therapy in Port Jefferson and virtual sessions across New York. You don’t have to have the right words. You don’t have to have it figured out.