Catherine "Kitty" Ferguson-Mappus, LCSW

Welcome to Therapy Austin! 

I am so glad you are here making strides toward your personal goals. Sometimes the first step is the hardest and I commend your willingness to try something different in order to move forward in your life. All gender identities, expressions, and orientations are welcome as well as those with alternative faith and spiritual practices however those manifest throughout the lifespan. My expertise and areas of specialization are in working with trauma and addiction recovery, Binge Eating support, and Bariatric surgery issues or concerns. I primarily use EMDR, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and Internal Family Systems as methods of recovery and resolution. 

Whether we work together virtually or in person, you can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere where humor, curiosity, playfulness and laughter flourishes. Many clients report a feeling of comfort and safety in this space to explore whatever comes up during our sessions and I’ve been told I am an engaged therapist. My style is casual and relational and I have a think outside the box perspective to life's curveballs as well as a true joy in getting to know people. 

We all need support at various times in our lives and help along the way. I am trained in EMDR, Eating Disorder recovery, religion or spiritual trauma, body image concerns, substance use recovery, post bariatric surgery life, and managing living with chronic medical diagnoses are areas of specialization in my background and experience. I have experience and am comfortable working with ethical non monogamy of all kinds as well as kink and BDsM practices and lifestyle.  I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. 

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy scuba diving in various oceans around the world, being in nature or my garden as well as spending time with my family. Many times I incorporate elements from the natural world into the therapeutic setting.