Catherine Chinnock
Psychotherapist
Art Therapist
About
As a therapist in practice for over twenty years, I have worked with all ages of people with diverse experiences of the world. I've helped people in developing their ability to manage daily life, strengthen relationships, connect with their own inner darkness, move through deep experiences of pain, and exist in a world that feels lonely and isolating. I've shared the joys of connecting with inner strength, building resources previously unimagined, finding voice, discovering innate creativity, and connecting with something greater.
I am in service of supporting individuals to connect with their inner landscape, to build trusting relationships with the protective parts that unintentionally limit their potential, to connect with gifts hidden under fears, to trust their own innate wisdom, and to feel their personal connection with something greater. As we bring ourselves into a more expansive state of consciousness, we allow ourselves to experience deep love, joy, respect, and connection. My service is rooted in the knowing that as we heal ourselves, we contribute to collective healing.
Credentials:
MA in Art Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Illinois #180.005375
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, New York #9544-01
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level I; Assistant for Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level I
Holographic Memory Resolution (HMR) Level I and II
Reiki Level I and II
Podcasts and Publications
Co-hosted with Steve Ploum exploring creativity, balance, and the tension that exists as we find our creative selves.
"Feelings Are Complicated Fuckers"
Self-published through Amazon
Approach
My approach as a therapist is something that, to some extent, is collaboratively built with you based on your needs. That can look more practical, like talking about the everyday stressors of life and how you can better support yourself in managing them. Or it can be more existential, exploring identity, purpose, meaning, and what brings you a sense of fulfillment. It can lean more spiritual or “woo” connecting in with guides and support in an animistic universe. Or it can be a place where you track and connect with your anxiety or depression.
What’s consistent through any of the things mentioned above is that it’s based in a trusting relationship where you feel safe enough to share your fears, your rage, your hurt and also your joys, your humor, and your pleasures. The therapeutic relationship is one where I trust that within you lies the expertise in knowing what it is that you truly need to feel better and more fulfilled in your life.
The frameworks that I pull from most often include Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Therapy, and Spiritual Psychology.
The focus of IFS is on building your relationship with the unique parts of yourself that grew to help you navigate the world. Often these parts are overworked or out of date. Through your increased connection to them, you move towards a more intentional and balanced way of relating to yourself, others, and the world. This also allows you to build supportive and trusting relationships with the wounded parts of yourself, freeing these parts of the burdens of unresolved emotions or self-limiting beliefs, and allowing them to share their gifts, openly and freely.
Spiritual Psychology involves opening your connection with something greater through guided inner journeys and building relationships with your own personal spirit guides and teachers. It is based in appreciation for the innate wisdom and interconnectedness of all things. Moving through your body, connecting to your inner senses, and opening your insight, intuition, and imagination will serve as your pathways to your personal, sacred connection to something greater.
Somatic Therapy respects the wisdom of the body, recognizing how nervous system regulation can support healing,comfort, and greater access to your own wisdom. It understands that the body can exist as a historical map of sensation and tension connected to experiences and therefore it may guide us into patterns of thought and behavior that are outdated. Somatic Therapy is the foundation of getting to know your body and to work with it as a resource.