Cat Murtagh

My Story

I believe genuine connection creates potential for change and provides a path toward healing and growth. As a queer, nonbinary, and neurodivergent person living in a fat and disabled body, I know what it’s like to feel isolated and unwelcome. As a queer kid who grew up in the Southern Baptist church in rural WNC, I know the power that having (or lacking) genuine community can bring. In my own life, I have found power and reclamation through relationships and connections with others who were willing to listen and see me for who I am. There is so much power in being seen and valued for everything that you are. In our work together, I will strive to create a space where you can show up as your authentic self, even if you don’t know what that really looks like yet, and be truly seen and valued for you.

I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from NC State University and my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Western Carolina University. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). 

I show up as my authentic self in sessions. I have always been a helper, someone who deeply cares about people and the world that we live in. I also keep it real and will always honor the identities, experiences, and wisdom that you bring into the room, and consider how these inform the systems that you navigate daily. You know yourself and your experiences best. My desire is to support you with the skills and knowledge that I have gained along my own journey, bringing new perspectives, validation, and genuine connection. 

My approach to therapy is relationship-based, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I pull from multiple theoretical orientations, including person-centered, relational-cultural, feminist, and anti-oppressive. I use experiential approaches to explore connecting mind and body, leaning into your innate body wisdom. I strive to decolonize my practice, move away from individualized forms of healing, and embrace a more inclusive and community-centered approach. My practice is grounded in anti-racist, anti-oppressive, fat liberation, disability justice, and liberation psychology frameworks. 

Outside of work, I enjoy connecting with my partner and our cat, Pickles. I am a fiber art nerd and usually have multiple projects going at once. I always enjoy learning a new craft or trade that gets my hands moving. I enjoy both listening to music and playing instruments (violin/fiddle, mainly). I also enjoy learning about history and finding new ways to connect with my ancestry and body wisdom. 

For the astrology lovers: Libra sun/Scorpio moon/Libra rising 

I specialize in:

• Identity Work

• Neurodivergence

• Disability & Chronic Illness

• Body Image & Fat Liberation / Disordered Eating

• Religious Trauma & Deconstruction

• Dissociation