With 19 years in the field, I know my strengths as a Clinical Social Worker!
I specialize in ADHD, self-esteem, confidence, and executive functioning challenges, helping people better understand how their minds work and develop strategies that set them up for success.
Growing up, I was surrounded by highly successful individuals who thought differently due to ADHD. As someone who has experienced similar challenges, I understand both the struggles and strengths that come with it.
APPROACH
My approach is direct, practical, and goal-oriented.
• I use Solution-Focused Therapy to identify what’s already working and help you build on your strengths.
• Motivational Interviewing allows us to explore what truly drives you, so we can create change that feels natural and sustainable.
• With Systemic Therapy, we look at how your environment—work, relationships, routines—shapes your challenges and how small adjustments can lead to big improvements.
Many of my clients feel stuck—struggling with self-doubt, follow-through, and communication issues that impact relationships, career growth, and confidence.
My goal is to help you break that cycle, build self-trust, and create practical systems that work with your brain, not against it.
MY BACKGROUND
My background includes private practice, group therapy, large-scale mental health programs, and training mental health leaders in coaching and strengths-based therapy. I’ve also built outcome-tracking systems for people in unstable situations—including those without phones, housing, or coping skills—and in the Philippines, where we worked without computers or a library.
Beyond therapy, I have extensive experience in employment advocacy, having served as a union officer and EEOC investigator. I understand workplace challenges, career struggles, and professional communication—insight that helps clients navigate work environments with more confidence.
I’m trained in Trauma-Informed Care, Psychoanalysis, CBT, and MBCT and certified in EMDR, but I focus on helping people build confidence, improve communication, and develop sustainable systems that make life easier.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Therapy with me feels more like coaching, with a flow focused on curiosity, observation, and tracking progress. Instead of just talking, we’ll build practical systems to make growth easier and more engaging.
• Boost Self-Awareness & Confidence – Learn to recognize how your thought patterns impact decision-making, habits, and self-perception.
• Set Flexible Goals – Use data-driven insights to build motivation, improve focus, and create supportive environments.
• Develop Effective Communication & Productivity Strategies – We'll create simple, effective systems that improve how you express yourself, manage responsibilities, and stay on track.
• Build Better Habits & Supports – Automate routines and design an environment that reduces friction and increases success.
• Reframe Challenges & Strengths – You don’t need to fight against how your brain works—you need strategies that help you use it to your advantage.
I work primarily with adults and teens with ADHD, focusing on executive function, motivation, and real-world strategies that create lasting change.
THINGS I'VE WRITTEN
• Where Does Self-Esteem Come From and How Can I Develop It? – GoodTherapy
• You Habit or You Don’t: Why There’s Hope for Your Resolutions Yet – GoodTherapy
• Embracing Irrationality in Communication – Marriage.com
LET'S GET STARTED!
If you’re ready to build confidence, improve communication, and develop strategies that work for you, let’s create a system that makes life easier. Therapy with me is engaging, action-oriented, and focused on real results. Let’s get to work!
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Depression, Coaching, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Family problems, Guilt and shame, Intellectual disability, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapy
IL LCSW 149.017438
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Catherine Harris. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Catherine is not only helpful but extremely thoughtful. I look forward to speaking with her every week!
Written on Apr 28, 2025 after therapy with Catherine for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
I’ve felt truly seen and understood in every session. Caty creates a safe, supportive space and offers guidance that really fits my needs. It’s been incredibly comforting and helpful.
Written on Apr 16, 2025 after therapy with Catherine for 3 weeks on issues concerning adhd
Catherine is empathetic and compassionate. She listens patiently and gently intervenes with questions to steer the conversation in a helpful manner.
Catherine uses her time as a safe space to discuss daily mental health issues related to past, present and ongoing work and personal trauma.
Written on Apr 03, 2025 after therapy with Catherine for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue