About-Me

It wasn't until I reached adulthood and after years of study and self-reflection that I realized how toxic and dysfunctional my childhood had been.  Characterized by profound shame and secrecy, the problems within my family were never dealt with, but rather defined by an unspoken rule of silence, avoidance or abuse.  My father, being an unplanned and unwanted child, along with an active alcoholic with mysogynistic beliefs about women, never really wanted children and made this fact known through an abusive and neglectful style of painful "parenting" bordering on emotional and mental terrorism.

My mother, in contrast, placed supreme value upon how things looked.  For years, I watched her be emotionally, verbally and mentally battered by my father to the point of nearly developing anorexia, having several bouts of severe depression with inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations and ultimately a psychotic break from reality which persisted until her death.  Her child-like narcissism prevented her from being able to have any real insight into her problems so daily life was rife with responding to if not actively managing her paranoia, hallucinations and persecutory delusions.  She also attacked and harassed others when her episodes were the most acute leaving me in a dysregulated state of hypervigilance.  It was also publicized by the local media that one of her treating psychiatrists had been sexually exploiting several female patients and his punishment was to be relocated to another state to continue practicing.

The behavioral manifestations of her illness created issues around physical safety and I lived with an ongoing fear that she would burn down the house from inserting tin foil into the electrical outlets to "stop the voices."  Several psychiatric hospitalizations were futile given that the mental health needs of women were essentially unknown.  She never got better and her symptoms became even worse. And yet she was extraordinarily skilled at hiding her illness and manipulating others into believing "everything's fine."  Additionally her proficiency in gaslighting was unparalled:  I became the issue when I attempted to address her issues. It truly was my own private hell punctuated with chronic screaming and various threats from my father.

Needless to say, my developmental needs remained unmet and my future trajectory was pointed in a direction that bordered upon self-destruction.  My extended family colluded with the mythos of how things looked so I was indeed as helpless as I felt.  The reality of life was a torment without any real help to be had.  But, I could escape into my Barbie's and imagine a life filled with dramatic beauty, glamour and sophistication while imagining what safety and security really were.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, this traumatic environment laid the foundation for a lucrative career as a Licensed Psychologist.  I decided to go to college, get therapy, do graduate school, get more therapy, get licensed, go into private practice, receive advanced training in contemporary psychoanalysis and undergo more personal analysis.  My inner work involved tremendous grief and the loss of life-sustaining illusions.  It also shed light upon my choice to remain childfree and avoid any legal entanglements such as marriage.  Given that there was no help for me as a child, I was determined that I would become a "professional helper" and I dedicated my life to this divine calling.

I developed a reputation for having success with difficult cases.  Yes, I treated the generic issues such as depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, relational issues, OCD and the like, but I really shone treating severe personality disorders, victims of ritualistic abuse, incest survivors, battered women, children and partners of malignant narcissists, dissociation and all other forms of unimaginable interpersonal betrayals.  I provided expert testimony and consulted with lawyers, medical doctors, case managers and psychiatrists on a frequent basis.  I also battled with insurance companies about what my patients actually needed to get well as opposed to the generic rule in "restoring functionality."  My life had deep meaning and a profound sense of purpose.  Working tirelessly to support others through their own journeys, I witnessed both the depths of human struggle and the incredible capacity for healing and transformation.

To cope with the stress of this career and make concrete an otherwise abstract profession, twenty plus years into my careeer I began making jewelry for myself.  Even though this was just a hobby, it gave me solace and an escape from the intensity and ugliness of seeing the worst of humanity and it's capacity for lies and malicious manipulations. (In fact, several of my adult patients alleged incestuous relationships occurring within their present).  I was drawn to feathers, rhinestones, fur, gemstones, and everything dramatic consisting of glitz and glam.  I had no formal training and vigorously pursued my hobby with a newfound zest for creating beauty.  I felt an aliveness that was lacking within my role as a Licensed Psychologist.

Fast forward to a few years ago.  I began wondering if I was burning out.   My ability to appropriately give without complete sacrifice was shifting.  With this recognition, I felt compelled to make a change.  I began fantasizing about what it would be like to create beauty, make a living doing it and to again, feel a sense of fulfillment.  I recognized the toll of constant exposure to trauma, and made the courageous decision to retire from practice to pivot towards a new passion:  showstopper jewelry design.  Friends were of immeasurable support encouraging me to market the uniqueness of my designs and take this unexpected life-altering turn. 

So here I am equipped with years of psychological experience and expertise now transitioning to this newfound artistic career.  Given my professional history, I pride myself on not only being emotionally available, but also uniquely qualified to assess and understand your needs and be attuned to your desires.  I place a premium on transparency and developing a long-term, healthy relationship with you.  Integrity, honesty and trust are the bedrocks of my business model.  One of my greatest strengths is my ability to be an effective and masterful communicator.  And my own intensive  psychotherapy enables me to access previously inaccessible well springs of internal creativity that are unavailable to other designers.  As Jung so eloquently said, "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious."  Frightening words for many.

Given my background in Psychology and Women's studies, I have an insightful and in-depth perspective on the fine line that exists between creativity and "madness" for women in particular.  Once you have an understanding of patriarchy and it's insidious effects, your anger becomes a valuable energetic commodity in establishing your idenity and using your voice.  Based upon theory and anecdotal experience, I can confidently state that I believe many women's mental health issues arise from the repression of one's authentic, wild self combined with the expectations of traditional female role socialization. Through my art, I assist you in accessing your primal and non-domesticated spaces within!  In fact, the greatest compliment and testimonial my provocative glamour wearable art jewelry can elicit is:  "That's crazy!"  

My showstopper jewelry is not just adornment; it's a testament to the beauty that can emerge from darkness, a tangible expression of resilience and self-expression.  Every Wow factor design tells a story, reflecting both the struggles I've overcome and the joy of embracing spiritual resiliency, creativity and beauty. Through my art, I offer not just accessories, but a tangible reminder of the strength and beauty within each of us.  Drawing from my clinical background, I infuse each piece with depth, meaning, and a celebration of individuality. 

Please shop my collections now.  I do offer a free, no obligation 15 minute phone or email consultation to better understand your needs.  Just submit the contact form and I will schedule an appointment that works for both of us.  Allow me to honor you by giving you back the parts of yourself you may have disavowed. With Kat Kouture's provocative glamour, you inadvertently inspire others to the highest and best versions of themselves through owning your own authenticity.

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As you read my story, it's important to understand the unique journey that has led me to where I am today.  My path has been shaped by profound challenges, transformative experiences and an unwaivering committment to personal growth and creativity.  

From navigating childhood adversity to over three decades practicing professional  psychology, I've cultivated a deep understanding of the human psyche and the complexities of emotional healing.  However, it is crucial to clarify that while my clinical background informs my work, I am not currently practing, nor do I intend to return to private practice.

While my psychological expertise undoubtedly influences my approach to jewelry design, my primary focus now lies in crafting one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces that celebrate beauty, individuality and self-expression.  Each piece aims to celebrate the limitless possibilities that can emerge and transcend from darkness.

My intention is not to invite clients to share their personal psychological challenges or seek therapeutic guidance through my jewelry business.  Instead, I invite you to explore my collections while discovering pieces that resonate with your unique style and personality.

Should you have any questions regarding my designs, or want to learn more about the inspiration behind a particular piece, I'm here to assist you.  However, it is important to respect the boundaries of our professional relationship and refrain from seeking therapeutic support or treatment through this platform including but not limited to referrals for psychotherapy.

Thank you for understanding and honoring this boundary as we embark upon this creative journey together!