Welcome!

I’m so glad you’re here. Whatever it took for you to land on my page, I thank you for pushing through that process and welcome you. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, down, or just unsure about how to move forward in your life, personally or professionally, you’re in the right place. I am Dr. Catherine C. Ragland Woods, licensed and passionate counseling psychologist. I would love the opportunity to chat with you about how we might work together to help you heal, learn, and grow, and to live your goals and dreams out loud.

Background

In addition to my clinical expertise, I am also a published author/co-author of psychological research, educator, guest lecturer/speaker, mentor, consultant, and coach. Contact me to discuss guest speaker/panelist, training, and coaching opportunities.

As the proud daughter of a United States Marine and three-time Purple Heart recipient father and tenacious immigrant mother, resilience, commitment, flexibility, and a strong work ethic are inherent in my professional approach. I stand on the shoulders of ancestors who were survivors, change makers, and healers. These ancestral gifts help to inform my clinical practice, where I believe in working collaboratively with clients, providing a space where they feel seen, heard, valued, and respected, and supporting them non-judgmentally with empathy and compassion. While I believe in the power and efficiency of high-quality evidenced-based practices, I also utilize integrative, holistic, and whole-person strategies to support my clients as they heal and grow in and outside of the therapeutic space. I am not a one-size-fits-all therapist. You are unique, let’s work together to tailor the therapy space to fit your needs.

Training and Experience

My journey to becoming a licensed psychologist began in the 10th grade when I realized my desire to become a psychologist. To prepare for this great honor and responsibility, I majored in psychology and minored in counseling and social change at the prestigious San Diego State University (SDSU). After receiving my B.A. with honors from SDSU, I pursued and earned my doctorate degree in counseling psychology from the revered University of Oregon. Since my second year of graduate school, when I began clinical training in the provision of individual, child, and family psychotherapeutic services, I have been honing my knowledge, skills, and abilities as a culturally responsive clinician and psychological healer.

To support my professional development and ensure my clients receive the highest quality of therapeutic care, I completed rigorous clinical, neuropsychological, and research training across a breadth of settings including VA West Los Angeles Medical Center, VA Eugene Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program, VA Portland Healthcare System, Center for Community Counseling, Strong Integrated Behavioral Health, University of Oregon Child and Family Center, The Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, University Counseling and Testing Center, Children’s Care Connection/Rady Children’s Hospital, Corner Clubhouse San Diego, and Women’s Outreach Association.

I completed my predoctoral psychology internship and postdoctoral residency (with a specialty in trauma) at VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center where I continue to serve and work with our nation’s heroes and Veterans.

Why Choose my Services

With over a decade of exceptional training and years of clinical practice, I have the expertise and proven track record to help clients sit with, see past, and work through psychological, emotional, and physical pain. I work with clients to develop practical coping strategies to survive and thrive in daily living and help them improve their personal, educational, social, spiritual, and occupational functioning.

Whether you are seeking to better manage stress, anxiety, or depression, heal childhood, military, combat, racial or other trauma wounds, or improve your interpersonal, marital, or family relationships, I welcome you to contact me for a FREE 15-minute consultation. We can chat to see if we might be a good fit. I also work with individuals with ADHD, OCD, hoarding disorders, adjustment and life transitions, and identity issues.

Contact me TODAY. You’ve already made the important step by visiting my page, let’s chat and work together to help you to KEEP GOING, KEEP GROWING, and to live the life you deserve. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you to do the hard work and heart work.

I have strong connections with other mental health professionals and am happy to refer you if we are not a good fit. Either way, I am here to help you in your healing journey. Thank you for stopping by. Take good care.

**The photos displayed throughout my website were taken by me across my various travels and adventures. I hope that you enjoy the beauty of nature as much as I do!