Cat van der Westhuizen, MA, LPC, LMFT

Not Currently Accepting New Clients

I help individuals and couples who are struggling in their life and relationships. People often come to me feeling anxious, irritable, and uncertain. They are worn out from managing others' feelings and struggle to experience their full range of emotions. I support them in exploring what's on their mind and deepening their emotional experience so they can understand themselves better and show up in the world more authentically.

As an emotionally focused couples therapist, I am a process consultant for couples stuck in painful interaction cycles. I help them by slowing down the emotional process and shaping positive experiences that can heal relationships and deepen emotional connections.

 I know from my experience that understanding your emotions and becoming aware of your motivations, coping strategies, and relationship patterns helps you relate better with others and promotes personal healing.

I believe therapy can benefit anyone who wants a stronger sense of who they are and show up more fully in relationships. I’d love to connect with you and see how we can work together.

Services: Individual Therapy + Couples Therapy

Session Format: In-person North Location

Licensure: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) & Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Passions and Specialties: Couples, Women experiencing life transitions, Relationship Struggles, New Parents

Therapeutic Approach: In the therapy room, people experience me as warm, approachable & curious. You will find me interested in what you’re feeling in the moment and understanding the patterns that emerge in your life. In my work with couples and individual clients, the importance of relationships is always on my mind. I work collaboratively with my clients to understand themselves better and have healthier and more satisfying relationships. 

My therapeutic style is influenced by attachment models, relational psychology, and modern psychoanalytic framework. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) and the Narrative Enneagram. I pursue my own personal and professional growth in consultation groups for couples work, enneagram & modern psychoanalysis. I’m most fulfilled when connected to my community. I serve as the board president for the Austin Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and am an active member of the Austin Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy. 

Professional Affiliations:

Austin Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT)

  • President - Current

  • Outreach Director - 2020-2022

  • Program Director - 2018-2020

Austin Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy 

  • President - 2020-2022

  • Vice President - 2022-2023 

Education:

Master of Arts in Counseling - Texas State University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - University of North Texas

Personal: Outside the therapy room, Cat enjoys trying new recipes, camping, and getting out in nature with her husband, daughter, and pit bull. She studies the Enneagram, finds crossword puzzles relaxing, and loves a good live music show. 

Fees: $165 per session