Cathy Kreisel, LCSW, PMH-C
I’m Cathy Kreisel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges and transitions. Born and raised in Chicago, I relocated with my family to San Diego in 2016—an experience that deepened my understanding of how disruptive and emotional major life changes can be.
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I’m also a mother, and I’m deeply passionate about supporting other mothers as they navigate the beautiful, messy, and often overwhelming realities of parenthood. At the same time, I work with a wide range of clients facing stress, sadness, grief, anxiety, and the many emotions that naturally arise throughout life’s ebbs and flows.
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Many clients come to therapy seeking to process painful past experiences, strengthen important relationships, shift unhelpful patterns, or reclaim a sense of agency during times when life feels out of control. My approach is grounded in trust, warmth, and compassion. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and supported.
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My style is both supportive and interactive, offering insight, clarity, and practical tools to help you move forward and improve your quality of life that you deserve!
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My approach
Therapy looks different for everyone, and I tailor my approach to your unique experiences, needs, and goals. I take a holistic, whole-person approach, rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Meaningful, lasting change happens when we explore the deeper roots of what’s bringing you to therapy—not just the surface-level challenges.
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My work is informed by a range of therapeutic approaches, including:
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Trauma-informed care
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Strengths-based and attachment-focused work
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Psychodynamic therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Compassion-focused therapy
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Interpersonal and relational approaches
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Mindfulness-based practices​
My clinical foundation is rooted in psychodynamic therapy, which emphasizes a supportive, exploratory process to help you gain insight into longstanding patterns, relationships, and emotional experiences. By understanding the origins of unhelpful or repetitive patterns, you can create meaningful and lasting change.
I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can help increase mental flexibility, strengthen coping skills, and support a greater sense of control in daily life.
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In addition, I incorporate mindfulness-based practices to build awareness of both thoughts and physical sensations. These mind–body strategies can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress responses such as tension or racing thoughts, and promote a greater sense of calm and presence.
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At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. I believe healing happens within a foundation of trust, empathy, and safety. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel supported and understood.
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Therapy moves at your pace. We begin with an initial assessment to explore your history, current concerns, and goals. From there, we collaboratively develop a treatment plan, including session frequency and focus. Some clients meet weekly, while others benefit from biweekly or monthly sessions—together, we’ll find what works best for you.
Professional Qualifications
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of clinical experience. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University and completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) with honors at Loyola University Chicago, where I specialized in working with children, adolescents, and families.
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My professional background includes a wide range of settings, including inpatient hospitalization, outpatient care, community mental health, school social work, and private practice. This breadth of experience allows me to tailor treatment to the unique needs of each client and to provide care that is both thoughtful and effective.
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I am currently licensed to practice in both California and Illinois, and I continue to hold credentials as a School Social Worker in both states. I have specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
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Licensure Information
California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #LCS80708
Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #149-009911
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Professional Memberships
Postpartum Health Alliance San Diego (PHA)
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)