Hello, I’m Cathy Himlin!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 33027) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 1085) with a background in counseling and social work. I completed my studies at the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling. I am a member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

I love working with families and their children!  I grew up in sunny California and loved taking yearly trips to Disneyland as a kid — before the annual passes.  From a very young age, I’ve always wanted to work with children and their families.  I fell in love with the world of Child Psychology when I started working with children in my Developmental Psychology research department in college, and now I am living my dream job.

I enjoy music, nature, gardening, cooking, traveling, and all things Harry Potter!  I have a deep love for the mountains, cool ocean breezes, and making silly cakes!

I have over 25 years of experience as a therapist and a social worker.  Much of my work has involved child protective services, and I have worked with children of all ages, couples, and their families. As a social worker, I helped birth and foster parents learn effective parenting styles through assessment and coaching.  I am passionate about helping kids and families work well together as a happy, healthy system.

My Areas of Focus

Find a therapist that is right for you!  Here at Family Connections Therapy, we offer a wide range of services to help people from all walks of life meet their goals.

Here are a few of the specialty services I offer:

• Family therapy
• Child behavioral issues
• Parenting education
• Support and motivation
• Relationship and attachment
• Reunification therapy
• Court related issues
• Teen issues
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Foster care and adoption support
• Women’s issues
• Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFT)
• Grief and loss counseling
• Divorce / separation (relational problems, child alienation, life transitions, etc.)

I am also available to write treatment summaries and court reports, or to appear in Family Law or Dependency Court to testify regarding conjoint therapy sessions.

How I Can Help

I am here for you.  I provide evidence-based counseling services to help you and your family get the help you need.  Your goals are my priority.  I combine up-to-date counseling techniques with over 25 years of experience to give my clients the most effective treatment possible.

Many parents feel powerless, exhausted, or desperate to help their children.  I can help you find solutions that decrease family stress and create a more positive bond with your child or teenager. I teach a variety of coping skills to help achieve these goals and to bring about positive change in your family system.

I use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), one of the most effective therapeutic modalities available, to address symptoms of anxiety and depression, to repair and enhance relationships, and help my clients find meaning and purpose.

Clients who work with me can learn to:

• Relax and quiet the mind
• Sleep effectively
• Find motivation and energy
• Enhance relational communication
• Foster safety with their children
• Improve child cooperation and obedience
• Recognize and label their emotions
• Be curious and insightful
• Develop effective social skills
• Cope with major life stressors such as divorce
• Repair damaged relationships
• Process traumatic life events