Catherine Thornber, MA, LPCC, RYT
Therapeutic Philosophy
Many of us carry a quiet fear: that if we showed our most authentic selves to the people we love, we wouldn’t be accepted. I specialize in helping individuals and couples explore this fear and guide them toward a deeper connection and greater authenticity. I believe that no matter your story - your struggles, your traumas, your identities - you are worthy of love and belonging, exactly as you are.
My passion for relationships stems not only from my work but also from my own journey of learning what it means to connect truly. Going from the wacky, weird relationships of my teens and early twenties to the relationships I have now, the transition is substantial. I hope to support others in manifesting the relationships they seek most in this world - the ones they hold most dearly.
My Story
I have been on a mission toward the deepest sense of belonging to myself since I was 13 years old. From an upbringing dedicated to religion, academics, family, the outdoors, and self-examination, I had the privilege of a strong foundation in many ways. At the same time, trauma was a big part of my childhood as well. The effects of the trauma amplified when I began considerable treatment for epilepsy as a teenager. Read more about this journey here.
Over time, with extensive therapy and family support, I began to thrive again more than I had known I could. Eventually, through many twists and turns, and a whole lot of help from professional healers, I grew deep resilience and contentment. I began to feel clear, capable, and happy - in my personal and professional life - in a way I hadn’t known was possible for me.
I believe every human is capable of significant change. You are, too. I’m here to walk this journey of healing, growth, and love with you. It might not be easy most of the time, but it can have rewards beyond our wildest imagination. Reach out today if you’d like to chat, get referrals, or start therapy together. I’m here to listen and partner with you.
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
-Brené Brown
If You’d Like to Work Together
Taking the leap to start therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also a courageous step toward the life and relationships you truly desire. If you’re ready to explore what’s holding you back from being fully seen and embraced by those you love—or if you simply want to understand yourself better—I’m here to support you.
Together, we can create a safe space where you feel understood, valued, and empowered to be your most authentic self. Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationships, navigate personal challenges, or just find more calm in your life, I'm here to walk this path with you.
Let’s find out what’s possible when you dare to show up as you are—no masks, no filters, just you. If that resonates, I’d be honored to work alongside you in this journey of self-discovery and connection.
Ready to begin? Let’s take the first step together.
Training, Certifications, & Affiliations
Degrees
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Naropa University
B.A. Cross-Cultural Psychology (Major), Communication (Minor)
Couples & Sex Therapy Training
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level II training, Gottman Institute
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level I training, Gottman Institute
Therapy for Partner Aggression & Abuse, Gottman Institute
Lessons in Love Leader Training, Gottman Institute
The Art & Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs, University of Toronto
Two-Year Couples & Sex Therapy Certification, Sexual Health Alliance (enrolled)
Two-Year Sex Therapy Certification, Sexual Health Alliance (enrolled)
Two-Year Sex Educator Certification, Sexual Health Alliance (enrolled)
Internal Family Sytems (IFS) to Advance Trauma Therapy with Couples & Families, IFS Institute
Trauma & Mental Health Training
Sensorimotor Therapy for Trauma Level 1, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute
EMDR Institute Fundamental Training: Adults, Teens, and Children (enrolled)
Sensorimotor Fundamentals, Pat Ogden
Identifying Early Signs of Psychosis in Adolescents & Young Adults, Stanford University Continuing Studies
DBT for Clinicians: 15 Core Techniques to Improve Emotional Regulation & Manage Distress, Alexa Mulee
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Diversity & Inclusion, IFS Institute
Coaching for Self-Leadership: An Introduction to Internal Family Systems, IFS Institute
Clinical Ethics Training
Ethics in Practice, Online Specialty Training Series, National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
Boundaries & Dual Relationships in Clinical Practice: Ethical & Risk Management Challenges, Frederic G. Reamer
The Body Beyond Therapy
Peak Performance Neuroscience Coach Certification, Flow Research Collective
Certified Health Coach, Institute for Integrative Nutrition
200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200)
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training 200-Hour, Centered Yoga Institute
Reiki I, Reiki Colorado
Authentic Movement Facilitator
Power of Awareness, Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach
Families & Adolescents
Teen Success: Cultivating Purpose & Achievement, Gottman Institute
The Secret Life of Teens, Gottman Institute
Science of the Teenage Mind, Gottman Institute
Emotion Coaching: The Heart of Relating to Teens and Tweens, Gottman Institute
Identifying Early Signs of Psychosis in Adolescents & Young Adults, Stanford University Continuing Studies
What is Trust-Based Relational Intervention?, Families Are Forever
Clinical Affiliations & Memberships
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
American Psychological Association
Western Psychological Association
American Counseling Association
Colorado Counseling Association
Association for Addiction Professionals
Nonclinical Post-Grad Training
Certificate in Forensic Identification, Ecomuseum de Cavallaria
Purpose MBA, Jay Shetty Certification School
AI for Everyone, DeepLearning.AI
Introduction to Social Media Marketing, Meta
Meisner Acting with the Body, Chris Thatcher Acting Studio
Improv Comedy Level I & II: Improv Boulder
Creative Writing, Stanford Continuing Studies
Introduction to Marketing, University of Pennsylvania
Certified Life Purpose Coach, Transformative Services
Let’s work together.
Send me your info, and we can get started with a free consultation. I look forward to connecting for therapy, coaching, or speaking engagements.