Hello!
I'm Catie (she/her) and I am a neurodivergent psychotherapist in the DC area!
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My practice is oriented in Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), which believes that individuals grow through connectedness, and disconnection is a major source of suffering. RCT is a Feminist* approach that allows me to bring my core values of social justice and multiculturalism in all forms into my work with clients. In addition to being trauma informed, I incorporate the following therapeutic modalities into my work based on client needs:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Feminist Therapy
• Strengths Based/Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• and more...
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*I recognize the divisiveness and nuanced issues with the feminist framework, especially the issues within 'white feminism.' As a white, cis-female I accept I have blind spots and welcome any conversation and feedback.
My Story
Prior to pursuing a career in mental health counseling, I put my skills to work as a personal stylist. It was there I found my passion for helping individuals find body acceptance/confidence and authenticity through clothing. When fitting rooms started feeling eerily similar to therapy couches, I decided to pursue my formal education at Marymount University, where I earned a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a graduate student I completed my internship and practicum hours in Fairfax County at an emergency domestic violence and sexual assault shelter. From there I completed my residency hours running a Partial Hospitalization Program at an eating disorder recovery center in Washington, DC.
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I am a rare DC native, and currently live in NoVA with my husband and our two cats, Milo and Aviendha. When I'm not in the therapy chair, you can find me knitting, heading out to a punk/darkwave concert, or planning my next get away (usually somewhere with lots of street art and beautiful bakeries)!
What to expect...
It is a firmly held belief that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important components of successful mental health treatment. My goal is to make the therapeutic relationship an approachable one!
What you can expect from our time together is an engaged conversation filled with curiosity, understanding, and humor! Along with a wealth of coping skill education, boundary setting discussions, and effective communication skills.
I bring important multicultural and social justice competencies to my work, and enjoy working with individuals including black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), the LGBTQIA+ community. ​
What clients are saying...
"Catie is the definition of a queer-affirming, trauma-informed, anti-sexist/anti-racist therapist. Though obviously specializing in CBT, her breadth of knowledge in a variety of therapy practices made her instrumental in overcoming the obstacles that came with my OCD and eating disorder. She is committed to unpacking the root of the harmful thoughts that result in self-harming behaviors, and her approach really helped me to undergo true, holistic eating disorder recovery and be the happiest and healthiest I’ve been in ages. I cannot recommend her enough." -J. in Washington, DC
My Qualifications
Licenses
Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC (PRC200001506)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland (LC13339)
Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia (0701012650)
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Certifications
Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
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Formal Education
Virginia Commonwealth University, Bachelor of Science in Marketing, 2009
Marymount University, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2018
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CONTACT
Heartcore Counseling, LLC