🌿 Our Approach
🧠 Real Therapy for Real Humans: A Different Approach to Healing
At K.A.D. Counseling, we do things differently—on purpose.
We center your lived experience, autonomy, and nervous system needs.
We don’t believe in pathologizing your pain—we believe in validating your wholeness.
Our approach is:
• 🧩 Collaborative
• 🎨 Creative
• 🧠 Neurodivergent-affirming
• 🌱 Trauma-aware
✨ What Makes Us Different
• 🧠 Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy
• 🔁 Non-Adherent DBT
• ✊ Liberation-Focused & Narrative Therapy
• 📚 Psychoeducation as Empowerment
• 🌿 Cannabis-Positive, Harm-Reduction Care
• 🤝 Authentic, Relational Therapy
• 🎭 Creative & Experiential Techniques
🪞 What This Means for You
• 🐢 Pacing sessions slowly
• 🧘 Pausing to regulate
• 🖼️ Exploring metaphors through memes
You’ll find flexible, collaborative structures that respect your boundaries, capacity, and communication style.
🚫 This Is Not Traditional Therapy (And That’s the Point)
We show up as real humans—with real understanding.
You’ll receive:
• 🛠️ Tangible tools
• 💬 Grounded validation
• 🫶 Support that feels human—not clinical
About K.A.D.
Kara A. Diefenderfer (PA, NJ)
MS, LPC, CAADC, CCTP, C-DBT (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor Founder/Clinical Director
So many of us struggle in life, but the worst part is, we struggle in silence. I’m here to listen to whatever part of your story you want to share, whether it’s your past, your present or everything in between. I hope through listening I can help guide you to what you already know within yourself, but might not be able to see right now. Wherever you are in your journey in life, I’d like to help you through the journey.
The main areas I specialize in are addiction, trauma, codependency, BPD & ADHD. My ideal client is 30+ & motivated to do the work. Personally, I am neurodivergent, queer, and 10+ years out of active addiction. I offer a psychodynamic approach with unconditional positive regard. I give my clients a place where they can feel safe and judgement free.
Qualifications
- PA License # PC012602
- NJ License # 37PC00955400
- School: Chestnut Hill College
- Year Graduated: 2018
- Pennsylvania & New Jersey
“Whether you are looking for a clinician for the first time or looking to find someone you can truly connect with; I understand this can be a stressful and anxious time in your life. Let me ease your anxiety by asking you to reach out to me for a phone consultation. I am licensed in both PA & NJ.”
Our Team
Counseling support often helps an individual find solutions to problems with family and friends, life challenges, as well as a reduction in feelings of distress, anxiety, and depression. If you ever have any concerns about your therapy process, we encourage you to discuss this with your therapist during your session so that you both may collaborate as you move forward.
Hunter R. Runge, MS (they/them)
Pre-Licensed Counselor (PA)
Psychology Today profile
More about Hunter
🌸 Sapphic • 📚 Feminist • 🔁 Polyam • 🌈 Enby Femme
💖 Always rooting for your autonomy.
Starting therapy is vulnerable—especially when you’ve had to navigate systems that weren’t built for your identity or needs.
💬 My role is to create a space where your full self is welcomed—not just accepted, but celebrated.
🔍 My lens:
Liberation-focused • Trauma-informed • Neurodivergent-affirming
Collaborative • Consent-centered • Deeply relational
I’m especially passionate about working with:
• Queer & trans folks
• Neurodivergent clients
• Those unlearning shame & reconnecting with self-trust
💬 I know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the screen and hope a therapist “gets it.”
I show up with softness, transparency, and a commitment to holding space for your complexity.
A Personal Decision
👥 Between the two of us, we work with adults 18+
📩 Have questions before getting started? We’re happy to chat.
Is Therapy right for me?
Deciding to take the step to enter therapy is a very personal decision. We offer free 15-minute phone consultations to decide if therapy is a good life choice for you & if we are the right fit for your needs.
Who do you work with?
Among us we work with clients aged 18 and up.
Can we meet virtually?
Yes! We provide safe & secure telehealth services (audiovisual) through SimplePractice EHR system. This is HIPAA compliant for your privacy & protection.
Psychology Today Verified
Psychology Today is an industry leader & is a network that assists with connecting clientelle with therapists.
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Through active listening we can help guide you to what you already know within yourself, but may not be able to see right now. Wherever you are in your journey in life, we can help you through the journey…”
Why K.A.D.?
K.A.D. Counseling is the culmination of years of personal and professional research, education, and growth. Our journey of research, education and growth is never-ending. We are always seeking out the best practices within the field of psychology and among our colleagues. K.A.D. Counseling is a multi-disciplinary team that sees individuals, couples, and families. Transparency, ethics, boundaries, and professionalism are qualities you can always expect from K.A.D. Counseling.
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