Cat Murtagh

My Story

I believe connections provide 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. In my own life, I have found power and reclamation through relationships and connections with others who are 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 and be truly seen and valued, no matter what that looks like. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from NC State University and am currently getting my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Western Carolina University. As a counselor-in-training, I will receive supervision from the university and site faculty. 

I show up as my authentic self in sessions. I draw from my lived experiences and connections with the queer and trans communities and neurodivergent, disabled, immunocompromised, and chronically ill communities. 

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 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 (currently, I’m learning how to hand-spin yarn!). 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. 

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

I specialize in:

• Trauma & Dissociation

• LGBTQIA2S+

• Neurodiversity 

• Disability & Chronic Illness

• Body Image & Fat Liberation