You might also call me an a-ha moment maker, the releaser and holder of all you’ve been carrying and your biggest, most honest cheerleader.

I work with people who are ready to stop avoiding the hard stuff, even if they fear that change isn’t possible.

Together we get curious and get real. I motivate and guide people to understand themselves more deeply, trust their inner strengths and actually use them in real life.

Cat Widder

I’m a Therapist

Are you ready

To fully be yourself, accept yourself without shame and to feel proud of yourself and the life you’re living?

Get Started

Be Authentic

I’m a Broadway fanatic, a movie lover, a crafter, a Zumba devotee and a recovering co-dependent.

I know from my own path to emotional wellness that you can learn to love yourself, be brave in life, create good boundaries for yourself, and make choices that improve your life instead of hurt you.

No matter your age, learning to love yourself and continuing to grow will change your life. That’s why I hope you will schedule a free consult with me today.

Decorative door wreath made of green eucalyptus leaves, with a sign reading "Cat Widder MSW, LCSW, EMDR" in the center, and a hanging note that says "in session please do not disturb."
Close-up of a stone water fountain with three tiers, water flowing from the top tier to the lower basins, background blurred with a plant and furniture.
A woman sitting on a striped armchair in a cozy, well-decorated living room, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a black top, gray cardigan, and blue jeans, accessorized with turquoise earrings and a necklace. A small white side table with a potted
A woman with short brown hair, wearing a blue long-sleeved top and jeans, leaning against a white desk while holding a laptop in her right hand, smiling at the camera in an office setting with framed documents, a landscape painting, and potted plants

Experience

Adolescents

Adults

Children

Families

School setting

Clinical setting

Therapy Strategies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

EMDR

Solution Focused

Psychotherapy

Strengths Based

Style

Genuine

Engaging

Warm

Interactive

Straight-forward

Funny

Education

B.S.

Northern Illinois University 1995

M.S.W.

Aurora University 2001

L.C.S.W.

Certification 2007

Client Testimonials

  • Therapy with Cat has been one of the absolute best decisions! She has created a safe, judgement-free space for me to heal and grow. Cat’s acceptance, patience, and empathy are unmatched. She’s truly the best!

  • Cat is one of the best therapists out there. She not only deeply understands her clients, but focuses on their growth and providing them with tools to help them through even the most difficult of problems. She is extremely kind and compassionate, but she also pushes her clients to become their best selves. I have spent over half a decade as her client, and she truly is the best of the best!

  • I think something we all strive for in life is to have someone to come home to after a long day to talk about our feelings, problems, goals, and dreams with, and Cat is that person. Her ability to really hear and empower you with a sense of humor and genuine humility while doing so is an experience everyone deserves to have. I wish everyone could have a therapist like Cat.

  • Since starting therapy with Cat she has helped me figure out ways to handle my anxiety and how to place boundaries with family and my many obligations. I always look forward to our sessions, as it is truly “me” time and I enjoy Cat’s relatability and warm personality. She genuinely cares about her clients.

  • I started meeting with Cat during the first lockdown back in 2020 when my anxiety was at an all time high. Meeting with Cat has helped me work through my anxiety and stress. Even if I'm not feeling anxious or depressed it's nice to have a neutral person to vent to or process things with.