Hello, I am Laura T. Kabatt-Kennedy, (She, Her, Hers) and I am grateful to be a part of the GE Family Services Team as a licensed clinical social worker.  

 

My story:  I grew up on the East Coast USA, Pennsylvania Pa.  I am the second oldest of 5 kiddos.   After high school, attended courses at West Chester University, PA.  I earned my bachelor's degree in Health Education.  I taught grades K-12 but was told by the teenagers that I was boring and should not be a teacher.  My calm demenor was not respected then.  I felt it too and decided to enlist in the Army as a mental health specialist.  I reported for active duty with The US Army in February of 1998.  After Basic and advanced training, my first duty station Walter Reed Army Medical Center;  I was assigned to the Department of Social Work where I found my calling and passion working in the field of social work- medical and behavioral health.  I was super lucky to have a supportive commander.  I felt surrounded by leaders who provided me with encouragement and the support needed to attend graduate school.  

 

After two years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and schooling with The University of Maryland, a military transfer to Hawaii was ordered.  As a newlywed, it was an adventurous move.  We settled in and I was assigned to Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii and accepted the Social Work Graduate School Program through the University of Hawaii, Manoa.  It was an awesome experience, and we had a wonderful addition to the family.  I left the military after give birth to my son.  Three years later, living in Baltimore MD, I returned to the US Army where I served as a behavioral health/social work officer while working on improving clinical and leadership skills.  I was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas and White Sands Missile Range, NM where I served Soldiers and family members providing care in a community outpatient setting.   

 

In March of 2012, I was medically retired from active-duty service and accumulated approximately 12 years of service as both enlisted and officer ranks.  My family and I relocated to Alaska to live the Alaska dream.  I had difficulties with my disability and retirement was not for me.  I and had to work hard to overcome ADHD and PTSD.  With help and use of therapy, I returned to my passion by improving my general health/wellness and making a comeback to my passion, the social work career.  Being a consumer of mental health services has brought relief, special awareness and much personal reflection;  it has made me a better clinician.    

I have assisted clients using a variety of therapies: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

 

 I have experience working with individuals struggling with negative self-talk, low self-esteem, mood instability, substance use, challenging irrational beliefs, anxiety, TRAUMA, identity development, and the list continues. Other experience with teens, couples, and families in both the military and civilian cultures as a mental health professional.  As a clinician, I foster respect, a client centered approach with collaborative and mutual understanding, a process of work towards resolution of your concerns and problems. I have worked- inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment facilities environments over the years. Now a days, I spend my daytime hours working with the Alaska VA Healthcare System where I love working Veterans.

 

I hope that we are a good match and please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you don't see a day or time you like.  I may be able to accommodate the request and time and life changes, we adapt.  I look forward to meeting you soon.  Wishing you good health and balance in life.

~Peace,
Laura (L2K)

 

Go Eagles!

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