Hello! I am so happy that you have decided to start therapy! Likely, something has happened in your life that is causing some discourse and that's OK! Or maybe nothing in particular has happened recently, but you need someone to talk to and that's OK too. We can work on it.
My name is Catherine, I am a licensed clinical social worker, I have seven years of experience in clinical work. I have worked in a few different settings including community mental health, education, and healthcare. I have worked with clients affected by depression, anxiety, chronic disease, substance use, trauma, grief, pregnancy, adoption, and family conflicts. I have had the opportunity to work with clients individually and in group settings. I know there are times in life where we all could use some support. I also know that many of us struggle to make time for ourselves. I hope that coming to BetterHelp will allow you to prioritize yourself without taking up too much time in your schedule.
I was born and raised in Vermont. I still live here. I love this beautiful state and I am grateful to call it home. I received my Bachelors degree in Social Work and Sociology at Castleton University in 2012 and my Masters Degree in Social Work at University at Albany in 2014. I am a licensed psychotherapist in the state of Vermont and I hope to obtain my license for New York state as well.
My approach to therapy is this: Start where the client is at. That is one thing I always remembered hearing back in school, and in my clinical work this has proven to be true.
You know yourself better than I do. You are the expert on your life. I use a strength-based perspective in therapy to determine what your goals are and how to get there. I draw on elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my work. CBT helps clients explore the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to address difficult emotions and behaviors. I also utilize the person in environment fit to assess social factors affecting clients and implement positive change in their lives.
I understand that finding the right therapist can be difficult. I have been there. If you have any questions please reach out to me. If we start work together and it is not a great match, that is OK and I do understand. The most important part for me is that you are getting the support that you need.
Outside of my work as a clinical social worker I enjoy taking advantage of all the nature Vermont has to offer. I like to practice yoga and meditation, obsess over true crime documentaries, and hang out with my kids.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Compassion fatigue, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Mood disorders , Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
VT LICSW 089.0128890
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Catherine Yakunovich. 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 one of the best therapists I’ve had. She is very understanding and helpful and she has great advice. She makes you feel like therapy is to help. It is, however some people that need it don’t realize that going in because it can be scary. She’s a great person and anyone that gets her will realize that.
Written on Oct 20, 2020 after therapy with Catherine for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and anger management
Extremely helpful and makes me feel comfortable continuing online therapy
Written on Sep 29, 2020 after therapy with Catherine for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes