I am a seasoned therapist, and in my work, I combine empathetic intelligence, attuned intuition and decades of training and experience. I encourage a sense of curiosity and discovery, along with some playfulness and humor. We will work together as co-travellers on a journey, a united team navigating the hardships and hurts that have made it difficult for you to see who you really are. In a safe, supportive environment, I will ask you gently probing questions to help you reflect more profoundly and understand yourself and your feelings more deeply. You can come to recognize your underlying needs, your vulnerabilities and the places you get stuck. Together, we can undo the aloneness that makes so many feel isolated, small and unseen. Then, you can begin to free yourself from habits that do not serve you and cultivate the parts of you that are already healthy, good and longing to be free.

Utilizing an experiential and relational approach, I serve as a Trusted Other, helping clients unbury themselves from pain, break free of patterns that keep them blocked and allow that sometimes hidden authenticity to blossom to its fullest potential. While supporting clients as they connect to their innate wisdom is an important part of the therapy process, I am also highly practical in my work, and I help clients effect tangible change in their lives.

I am constantly studying and learning. I stay up-to-date in the therapy field, and I will actively co-collaborate with you to create a fluid treatment plan that meets your unique situation, personality and therapy goals. Due to findings in the field, I am particularly drawn toward the experiential psychotherapies, such as mindfulness, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals and couples. I work from an ongoing interest in the connection between mind, body and spirit and the intersection between Eastern and Western spirituality, and I’ve been pursuing Buddhist studies and other Eastern healing practices. I am transparent with the processes I use, and I will explain the reasoning behind a question or a practice so that you can decide whether you want to use it or not. Overall, I will prioritize building a trusting and productive therapeutic relationship that allows for openness, expansion and growth.

My Background

I’ve always felt attuned to how others are feeling and deeply empathetic with those struggling or in pain. I was a deeply sensitive child, raised by sensitive parents who both suffered losses early in their lives. Like many children, I cared deeply about my parents and felt their sadness and joy. I learned, early on, that life can be wounding, but it can also be wonderful. My family nurtured in me a deep honoring of and respect for people and their struggles and triumphs. My mother is a psychologist, and I grew up wondering why people are the way they are, and what shapes and influences our decisions, relationships and sense of self.

Later in my life, a near-death experience made me realize that I wanted to do more than merely survive—I wanted to live fully, to be truly alive. And, like family members before me, I wanted to help others. As a Highly Sensitive Person who works with highly sensitive people, I know what it’s like to feel bruised by a culture that’s not so sensitive and to feel out-of-place in a world that seems to demand that we become rough or hardened to survive. Today, after working as therapist in Seattle for over 30 years, I find working with people profoundly interesting and humbling. In my practice, I strive to honor the human story of every client I see, while helping them find the healing, connection and balance they hope for.

Outside of the therapy office, I value my spiritual practice and time with my partner, friends and children. I’m also a single mother, and I understand what it’s like to juggle practical needs and emotional needs for a whole family. I spend a lot of my free time driving my teens to their activities, and I’ve been a basketball coach and a Girls on the Run volunteer. I also enjoy engaging in the outdoors, hiking, walking, paddle boarding and rollerblading around Green Lake. As a long time meditator, I try to practice what I preach, and I know both personally and professionally how powerful therapy can be.

Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues or a trying life transition, there is hope and help. My goal is to help every client slow the swirling, negative thoughts and come into balance with their emotions. You can feel more hopeful, more alive and more empowered in your relationships, both at work and in the world. As you recognize your innate wisdom and knowledge, you can begin to express your true, authentic self.

If you are ready to find relief, or if you have questions about counseling in Seattle, WA, I invite you to email CatherineFollett@msn.com or call (206) 715-0831 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. My office is located in the lovely Green Lake neighborhood.

Catherine Follett, MSW, LICSW has been a therapist in Seattle for over 30 years. She has a B.A. in psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington. Catherine has a certificate in human services supervision, advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and immersion training in Accelerated Experiential Psychodynamic Therapy. She also has training in Buddhist psychology and Eastern psychologies, such as Morita Therapy, Naikan and Kaizen.