Catherine McConnell, MA, CFT, CCTP, LPC
1. What's your practice focus and who are your typical patients?
I focus on trauma, post traumatic stress and ADHD. I specialize in veterans and first responders though I also see civilians.
My typical clients are often Veterans or First Responders (police, fire, medical) though I have a good mix of that and civilians. They generally come in either because something severe happened that has really rocked them or they’ve got symptoms of depression, anxiety, memory problems, inattention, or relationship problems.
Overall they just come in saying they feel awful, aren’t functioning well, and want to feel better.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I’ve wanted to be a therapist for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been a guide for others: the listener and advisor. I come from a medical and military family so I’m familiar with that lifestyle and all it entails- including the rank and file, acronyms, and humor that many find frustrating to explain when doing therapy with someone without that experience. I had to learn about ADHD not only because I was diagnosed but also because it’s important to differentiate it from trauma. It can quietly make people’s lives hell- and is highly correlated with trauma. Having both is awful! If it goes undiagnosed it can make trauma treatment harder than it already is.
I originally started in trauma because it was all around me, the process fascinated me, and learning about it made so much sense! My main motivation for what I do is seeing the fear leave people’s faces, and lives, when they’re told that what they’re going through isn’t abnormal and can heal. Seeing them heal, flourish, and then move into a life they love and don’t have to survive is even better reward.
I’m known for my Alice in Wonderland Jeep, purple hair, and decorative combat boots. I’m eclectic, meaning that I’m trained in multiple therapies and mix them in whatever way works best for that client.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I can’t pick just one! And unfortunately I can’t really tell the stories without too much identifying information.
As a group: I’m proud of the Veterans who found hope and didn’t kill themselves, the officers who can now relax at home and connect to family, and the late diagnosed ADHD adults who aren’t exhausted and misunderstood anymore.
The relief someone feels by being heard and understood (and knowing they’re not crazy) is pretty amazing to witness.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Honestly? I only work with people I’m a good fit with. A lot of times I think “man, if I weren’t your therapist we could totally be friends and have a hell of a time!” But I cherish being able to be an important part of their journey out of the shadows.
As far as being a practitioner itself- it can get lonely. You can’t run down the hall and staff with a colleague so you have to build a good network. It’s helpful to have in order to check yourself and refer out when necessary as well.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
1) Just because you can open a practice as an intern doesn’t mean you should. Get a variety of experiences under supervision and make sure you’re seasoned first. You CAN do harm without knowing it.
2) Our business model is the opposite of client retention. Remember that always. You’re supposed to work yourself OUT of a job. Be sure you’re doing what’s best to create healthy, independent, thriving clients.
3) Be friendly and noncompetitive. It WILL work in your favor. There’s unfortunately enough hurt in the world that you won’t starve. Know your limitations, refer out, and get to know other clinicians. It’s good for both you and your clients!