My name is Kathleen Hoagland LPC. I am a licensed mental health counselor with 17 years of experience. For the first 15 years of my career I worked in community mental health and government in New Mexico and Pennsylvania. In 2022, after finally paying off my massive amount of graduate student loans (thanks Public Service Loan Forgiveness!) I opened a private practice where I specialize in the treatment of trauma. If you are interested in my professional history, please check out my LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-semerad-hoagland-lpc-52061a14.
Please note I am not taking new patients at this time. If you are curious about my therapeutic approach, you can check out my Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kathleen-semerad-hoagland-camp-hill-pa/987100
How am I qualified to write about U.S. politics and government? Well, that’s questionable, but I will do my best to make a case. My love of politics dates back to wild and colorful debates and conversations in Rich Barbeau’s AP US History and Government Class during the Bush/Gore election of 2000. Throughout high school, I was involved in student government as a student council representative (M&M’s) and then as senior class president. I have vivid memories of attending my first presidential rally in the summer of 2000 in Pipestone, MN. It was hot, the sun was beating down with no shade in sight, and I must mention I was there supporting George W. Bush. In college, I pursued a degree in Political Science & International Relations because I had a dream of going to law school and working in politics, the foreign service, or FBI. Clarice Starling from Silence of the Lambs was my idol (Jodie Foster & Julianne Moore equally incredible in the role). Let’s just say I had other “priorities” in college, and I also didn’t think I had to study for the LSAT. I will let you piece together the rest. In 2022, I decided to receive formal training to potentially run for local office (school board) and graduated from Emerge Class of 2022. I put my dream of running for office on hold, but consider myself very informed and knowledgable about all things civics, and try to be as involved in local politics as possible.
“Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.” – Paul Wellstone
My privilege:
While writing about politics, government, and mental health, I must recognize my privilege. I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual woman of privilege and means. I grew up in a middle class household, and many opportunities came with this. I attended parochial school from the ages of 5-23. I attended college and graduate school and have minimal debt. I, along with my husband, own a home. We own cars and have consistent, reliable transportation. I have excellent health insurance and consistent access to quality healthcare. I have consistent access to fresh and healthy, nutrient dense food. I am committed to using my platform to amplify voices of people who continue to be marginalized in our country.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice or treatment provided by a qualified mental health professional. In other words, is not a substitute for professional therapy. Information contained in this blog should be used as a supplement, not a primary source of support for mental health issues. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please seek professional therapy. If you are thinking of hurting yourself or others, please call or text the 988 Lifeline.This service is available 24/7/365. More information about the 988 crisis line is available here: https://988lifeline.org/
