CATHY SAWYER

Hi, I’m Cathy (she/they), a queer clinical intern therapist completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology practicum under clinical supervision. I want therapy to be a space where you can show up authentically, without having to mask, perform, or make yourself easier to understand. You don’t need to have the right words or know exactly what you want to work on.

As someone who brings both lived experience and over 20 years working alongside neurodivergent people, I know how much it matters to feel understood without being reduced to a diagnosis, a set of behaviours, or someone else’s expectations. I’m also very aware of the ways stigma can shape people’s experiences, and that perspective has shaped how I approach therapy.

My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, identity-affirming, body and weight-inclusive, collaborative, and curious. Understanding what is happening for you in context, and making space for the ways you think, feel, communicate, cope, and move through the world, is central to my work.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, identity, relationships, grief, or life transitions, this can be a place to make sense of what’s going on and what you need. I also welcome parents and caregivers trying to make space for themselves while supporting someone they love. I draw from person-centred, acceptance-based, emotion-focused, and attachment-informed approaches.

I adapt therapy to the person in front of me rather than expecting the person to adapt to therapy. My hope is that therapy feels like a space where you can feel understood, supported, and more like yourself.