Kathy Wierzchowski

Biography

Kathy joined UHS in 2022 as a Psychologist.

Dr. Wierzchowski works with undergraduate and graduate students through individual counseling, helping them navigate a wide range of personal, academic, and emotional concerns. As the Outreach Coordinator, Kathy helps develop and deliver mental health events, educational workshops, and campus-wide wellness initiatives. She is also currently the advisor for Mental Health Services Student Advisory Board (SAB). She enjoys connecting with students in a variety of settings and is passionate about making mental health resources accessible, engaging, and relevant to the UW–Madison community.

Approach

Kathy strongly believes a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful growth and change. She strives to create a warm, welcoming, and collaborative environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, and often incorporates humor when appropriate to help put students at ease.

Her approach is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal process therapy, while recognizing that every student has unique strengths, experiences, and goals. She works collaboratively with students to deepen self-understanding, strengthen skills, and create positive, lasting change.

Language Proficiency

English

Professional Interests/Specializations

Kathy is particularly interested in working with graduate students, women, and students in STEM fields.

She enjoys helping students understand and manage imposter phenomenon and how it relates to perfectionism, anxiety, and academic retention. She also enjoys helping students explore academic majors, career options, and life goals, recognizing that career choices are closely connected to mental health, personal values, and overall wellbeing.

Kathy also works with students on concerns related to relationships, sense of belonging, identity development, and building meaningful connections throughout their time at UW–Madison.

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Kathy enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an avid reader who is almost always reading a book (or two). She loves attending campus events and supporting students by cheering them on at performances, athletic events, and other campus traditions. She also enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, and taking walks (especially during the fall).