Katherina Nako, PhD, comes to PCOM from Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she earned her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. Following her years as a long-time Monarch—completing her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree at Old Dominion—she eventually traded in her campus ID for the opportunity to train and mentor future counselors. Her dissertation explored supervisory practices that foster cognitive complexity among behavioral health providers in integrated primary care settings.
Dr. Nako’s clinical experience centers on integrated behavioral health, with work across both outpatient and inpatient medical settings. She primarily draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and existential therapy in her approach. A passionate educator and supervisor, Dr. Nako enjoys teaching a wide range of topics, including counseling skills, lifespan development, and practicum and internship seminars. She has supported students through both university and site-based clinical supervision, with a commitment to fostering clinical insight through a developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Her research interests include integrated care, supervision, cognitive complexity, counselor professional identity and mindfulness. Dr. Nako hopes to continue working towards more effective training that better supports integrated care providers and the supervisors who guide them.
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