Graduate Student Interns
Riverbank Therapy is a practice that believes in investing in the growth and development of the counselors of the future. We host several interns throughout the year, typically for 9-12 months at a time.
Working with an intern has several benefits:
flexible schedules, often including evenings and weekends
comprehensive supported therapy (our interns get 1 hour of individual supervision with one of our licensed therapists per week, plus 1-3 hours of group supervision per week)
growing in your own life, while also supporting the growth of new counselors
CAitlin Smith (she/her)
We grow when we are accepted and feel deeply understood. I truly believe you already have strengths and capabilities to heal, and our work together will draw those strengths out, get curious about your experiences, and hold possibilities for what can be. I am particularly passionate about working with adults navigating trauma and substance use, exploring meaning and identity within their personal narratives, and finding pathways toward empowerment.
My background in community mental health and inpatient behavioral health has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of safety and relationship in the therapeutic process. I work from a relational approach and draw from narrative therapy, which separates people from the problems they experience and creates space for curiosity and opportunities to re-author our story. I also draw from feminist theory, attending to how our social environments, culture, and systems of power and oppression influence our mental health.
While I draw from an integrated range of therapeutic approaches, I believe you should remain at the center of the work. I strive to individualize care to your unique needs, identities, and experiences, creating a space where you feel respected and understood.
matt wells (he/him)
I believe meaningful change comes from better understanding ourselves and learning new ways to respond to the challenges we face. In our work together, we’ll look at how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another while developing tools to help you feel more equipped for what life brings.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and the difficulties that come with life transitions. My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in genuine human connection. I aim to create a space where we can openly explore what you are experiencing, better understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and work toward change that feels meaningful to you.
Our work may involve noticing and challenging unhelpful ways of thinking, developing a different relationship with your thoughts and emotions, and identifying what matters to you so you can move toward the life you want to live. I draw primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also incorporating a humanistic perspective.
Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Seattle University, with an expected graduation date of August 2027. Previously, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Western Washington University. In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, making music, spending time with friends, and relaxing at home with my cat.
I am pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Seattle University, with an anticipated graduation date of August 2027. When I am not in the therapy room, I love being in nature, taking landscape photography, and trying new dinner recipes. I look forward to working with you as you take the next steps in your story.
Ruth pilat (she/her)
You deserve to feel safe, supported, and truly heard. I believe that healing is not about 'fixing' what is broken, but about honoring your story and reclaiming a sense of clarity and connection to yourself. My goal is to walk alongside you, meeting you exactly where you are with a therapeutic style that is grounded, calm, and deeply compassionate.
I am passionate about helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, and family history. Additionally, I have a deep interest in helping individuals explore the complex relationship we have with our bodies and food. My background in education and neurodivergence shapes my belief that therapy must be individualized; there is no one-size-fits-all path to healing. I utilize a trauma-informed lens, integrating techniques from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to create a collaborative space that honors your unique needs.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University (anticipated graduation May 2027). When I’m not in the therapy room, you can find me recharging outdoors, tending to plants, or spending quality time with my dogs. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you in this chapter of your journey.
Kaylynn Noyd (she/They)
My therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that people must feel safe and seen in order to grow. Some thoughts and feelings may feel too big and overwhelming on your own. In session, we will slow down together, look at new perspectives, and tap into your inner strengths. Therapy will be a collaborative place where your voice is highly valued. My goal is to support you so that you can discover and nourish your own internal strengths. Together, we will find creative ways to cope, heal, and reach your goals.
I work with individuals (adults and teens), couples, and families, but have a particular passion for working with LGBTQIA+ clients and those experiencing eating disorders/body image concerns. I will draw on multiple approaches in our work together: emotion focused, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical therapies, depending on what fits best for you. Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy painting, reading, being in nature, and learning to bake new recipes.
I am currently a student in Seattle Pacific University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program, with an expected graduation in June 2027. I earned my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Western Washington University, with a focus on developmental psychology.
