Cathy Trenary, APCC #12264

Your destiny is to evolve. I believe that we are all on a journey of becoming wiser human beings, learning from our past experiences. It’s been said, “We can’t stop the waves, but we can learn how to surf.” As a therapist, I draw upon my teaching and counseling experience to help you become an expert at surfing life’s challenges. Your healing journey begins with you sharing your story and becoming aware of your internal strength and resilience. When working one-on-one, with couples, or with families you will practice effective ways of managing stress, regulating emotions, and increasing happiness.

I believe in a nurturing, holistic, and integrative approach to therapy where sessions are tailored to your needs and goals. Additionally, I take on a mindfulness and strengths-based approach primarily drawing upon Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative and Solution-Focused Therapy to create a safe space for you to share your story, process and heal difficult emotions and transcend them in order to live your desired life.

Stress and Anxiety

When we are stressed, we are either thinking about the past or the future and not in the present. The practice of mindfulness, paying attention to the present moment without judgment, can help. Having practiced meditation for over 20 years, I enjoy sharing practices and philosophies that have helped manage my own stress and anxiety. I have experience teaching stress-management and mindfulness in universities, high schools, and corporate settings and also include my teachings when working one-on-one. You can expect to leave with practical tools that can help you tame that “monkey mind”, stay calm and grounded in the midst of stressful situations, and learn effective ways to self-regulate emotions.

Grief

"Grief is love’s souvenir." Grief is a testament to our love, and our love may now feel directionless. Through grief counseling you will have space to talk about your loved one, process your emotions and recognize the various stages in mourning. With loss also comes changes in self-identity and the role a person plays in life. You will have the opportunity to explore your thoughts on identity changes and also have a safe space to explore your spiritual beliefs.

Depression 

Depression can very much feel like an ungrieved loss. We may experience an ungrieved loss such as a loss of hope, a severed belonging, or we may feel like we are in a psychological prison. Depression can feel paralyzing and isolating. One might experience a loss of aspiration, feel disconnected, or misunderstood.  Many of us can experience depression when we don’t feel like our needs are being met. Working together you will learn how to notice and interrupt unpleasant thoughts, become aware of your unmet needs, and reconnect to your heart’s desire. It is possible to recover from depression and to feel a new sense of aliveness and aspiration for the future.  

Couples Therapy

Did you know that most couples are more dissimilar than similar? And that’s okay because it would be boring to date ourselves. During couples therapy, you’ll learn about your personal Attachment Style, and your needs, and reflect on patterns that were modeled to you in your life. You and your partner will learn how to have meaningful conversations even around sensitive topics. Miscommunication is common and together we’ll take time to make repairs where needed. You will learn how to recognize and communicate your needs and how to support your partner's needs. We’ll focus on core principles such as trust, commitment, and how to address conflict, in order for your relationship to thrive and be a source of joy and love. My approach to couples therapy is primarily influenced by The Gottman Institute, a research-based approach to relationships. I have completed the Gottman Level 3 Practicum Training and primarily use the Gottman Method when working with couples.

Family Therapy

Conversations matter. Relationships can be challenging but are also wonderfully rewarding and our biggest teachers. Although we are wired for connection, creating healthy connections takes time and practice. Practicing nonviolent communication and mindfulness strategies will serve to create a strong foundation for healthy relationships. Members are encouraged to practice curiosity vs judgment during conversations. Apart from processing past experiences in our sessions, you will also have the opportunity to learn and practice communication skills such as mindful listening and reflecting, so you can implement them on your own. 

Trauma Informed Counseling

In our lifetime, we will encounter distressing and disturbing experiences. During our work together, you will begin to recognize how trauma has impacted you emotionally, physically, behaviorally, cognitively, socially, and even spiritually. Our work begins with having you feel safe and supported. Through different modalities such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), visualization/imagery, mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy you will be able to process, externalize, regulate and release uncomfortable emotions and feel a renewed sense of self.

LGBTQ Populations

As a therapist specializing in LGBTQ affirmative therapy, I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals within the LGBTQ community. I possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ individuals and recognize the importance of addressing mental health needs in a sensitive and affirming manner. My approach is rooted in creating an environment that both validates and celebrates diverse identities, promoting self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and resilience. By staying up to date on emerging issues within the LGBTQ community, I offer informed and compassionate guidance. My commitment to LGBTQ affirmative therapy helps individuals navigate the complexities of their identities, build healthy relationships, and foster personal growth, ultimately promoting their overall well-being and enhancing their quality of life.

Somatic Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Having a background in mind and body movement, I have a somatic approach to therapy and incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS), imagery, visualization, and meditations into my sessions. IFS is the belief that we are made up of different parts. For example, we might have an anxious part, an inner child part, a perfectionist part, an unmotivated part, etc. Instead of resisting or ignoring the difficult parts within us, we befriend them and get to know them better. From this process, one can develop compassion for all parts, and the parts calm down and can become better integrated. As your somatic coach, I help you get in touch with your body and notice where in your body you store certain emotions and parts. As you are able to identify how emotions feel in your body, the emotional regulation process begins. Somatic Therapy is an empowering approach as it supports you in processing and releasing all emotions stored in the mind and body.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping

Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping is a great option for those who have anxiety or restlessness. EFT is a somatic healing modality that works by tapping on acupressure meridians to release emotions. It is an evidence-based method that has been validated by the American Psychological Association. Through the practice, unwanted feelings and limiting beliefs will be cleared away and replaced with new positive beliefs about yourself. Learning EFT can empower you to self-regulate your emotions any time you feel pain or suffering.

Self-Care

I believe in the importance of creating a daily self-care regimen to reduce physical and emotional stress and enhance day-to-day well-being. I have over 10 years of experience working with teens and adults in various capacities. My most favorite work is sharing meditation, emotional regulation, stress-management regimens, and helping others increase their self-awareness. You will walk away with concrete tools and feel confident in starting your own daily self-care rituals.

I provide individual therapy sessions for 50 minutes/$130 per session and couples therapy sessions for 50 minutes/$150 per session.

Feel free to contact me for a free 20-minute consultation. I am happy to explain further or answer any questions you may have.

Email: cathyltrenary@gmail.com

Phone: 703-283-5662