come for the coping skills.
stay for the vibes.
Therapy.
but like with a lot more glitter
and no blank stares.
I’m Cat, the vibrant soul and LPC-MH behind the magic at Sonder. With a heart full of compassion and a sprinkle of whimsy, I’m here to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and growth with plenty of laughter along the way.
Originally from Chicago, I taught kindergarten and English To Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) for five years before earning my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. I moved here to Sioux Falls in 2020 (good timing right?) and embarked on my own harrowing journey of self discovery personally and professionally.
Through my own journey, I became enthralled with gender, sex, and the brain. I sought training from leading professionals in consensual non-monogamy, gender identities, and sexual satisfaction with a special focus on female and femme sexual experiences. Through my own journey through trauma healing, I sought to help others navigate the same choppy waters by honing my craft and arming myself with knowledge. Currently, I am working to become a certified Sex Therapist through AASECT and exploring clinical hypnosis and its efficacy in addressing trauma, depression, and addiction.
A few things you should know about me… I am a huge nerd. Game of Thrones? I’ve read them all twice. Anime? My cat’s name is Ponyo. Dungeons and Dragons? I’m a Draconic Sorceress. Also, I am obsessed with animals and my trusty sidekick, Pinkie, regularly joins me when she’s not at Puppy School. You’ll love her. She’s a 5 lb Malshi and a Sagittarius… you can tell.
Maybe most importantly, as a queer person from a metropolitan area suddenly in much smaller SF, I understand the challenges facing individuals in South Dakota from a unique lens. Let's turn your challenges into triumphs, one playful step at a time!
Vibecheck my office
i’d like to think of myself as a highly qualified but legally + ethically sworn to secrecy gossip doctor
what qualifies me; you may ask?
and more importantly why does it matter?
Most Importantly : I am an Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health (LPC-MH)
This is the highest level of licensure you can get as a therapist in my state—which means I’ve done the coursework, the 700 hours of supervised practice, the board exams, the paperwork, the ethical training, and yes, the soul-searching. I’m not just giving advice because I “like psychology” or read The Body Keeps the Score once. Unlike a lot of AI bots and TikTok wellness folks offering vibes and vibes alone—I’m legally qualified, clinically trained, and ethically bound to help you heal. No shade... okay, maybe a little.
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Graduated from Wheaton College—yes, that Billy Graham school—so trust me when I say I know what it’s like to live as a queer woman in a hyper-religious environment. I also know how foundational education can be to growth and self-advocacy. I carry that dual awareness into every session.
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Graduated from Bradley University with honors (and yes, I still have the keychain). My program emphasized neurocounseling, which means I know how your brain and body team up when it comes to healing—and how to help them chill out together.
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I’m trained to work with kids and teens who’ve experienced trauma, including complex and developmental trauma. This means I offer care that’s age-attuned, non-shaming, and rooted in safety.
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I use DBT tools to help clients manage big feelings, set boundaries, and stop spiraling. It’s like emotional survival skills for sensitive, passionate people.
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Grounded doesn’t have to mean boring. I integrate mindfulness in ways that feel accessible, not like a wellness cult. No pressure to “clear your mind”—just space to notice it.
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I’ve completed training in body-based modalities like EMDR, Brainspotting, and other somatic tools. These methods help gently process trauma that words alone can’t always reach.
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I’m trained and experienced in providing supervised visitation services in high-conflict custody situations. It’s part trauma-informed, part boundary ninja, part emotional hostage negotiator—and I take it seriously.
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Not clinical, but absolutely relevant. I know how to track the body, understand movement as communication, and create brave spaces where people feel safe expressing themselves—skills I bring into the therapy room too.
