In the early 1970s, Cat began studying a wide array of bodywork and breathing techniques, therapeutic methodologies, cross-cultural spiritual disciplines, and creative healing modalities, including art therapy and ecstatic dance.

Over time, she integrated this diverse training and experience into her private practice as a personal and professional consultant, shamanic practitioner, and nonsectarian minister.

Cat's first book, Dr. Cat's Helping Handbook, was published in June 2000, and her deck of images was published in June 2007 (see "Shadow and Light: Images of Change and Transformation for Women in Recovery").

Cat has a three-part Bachelor of Arts Degree in Design/Graphics/Writing from Western Washington University (1978), a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology from Antioch University (1984), and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Psychology from Summit University (1993; Summit University is now the University for Integrative Learning).

Her doctoral research focused on the "missing link" related to eating disorders and functional neurology. Cat has been interviewed on radio and television regarding her work with anger and her controversial series of articles on death. In addition, her lifelong passion for prayer led her to found Rent-A-Monk, which makes certain aspects of her spiritual work available to others. In 2006, Cat founded the Suicide Awareness Project, a grassroots organization dedicated to lifting shame and blame from the issue of suicide in all its forms.

Cat maintains a private practice in Seattle, Washington, where she works with individuals, couples, families, groups, and businesses. She also does personal and professional consultation via e-mail, regular mail, and phone for clients throughout the world. In addition, Cat works as a team with her longtime partner, John Giovine, Ph.D., to support people during their own or a loved one's dying process, and she teaches a class called "Rest in Peace: Preparing for Life's Final Chapter."

Three Decades of Training and Experience

Abuse Issues  Addiction Recovery  Anger Work  Art Therapy  Breath Work  Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia  Crisis Intervention  Cross-Cultural Shamanism  Dance Therapy  Death Work  Dream Work  Eating Disorders  Family Systems  Functional Neurology  Gender Identity Issues  Grief and Loss  Movement Therapy  Nutritional Counseling  Pain Management  Play Therapy  Process Oriented Psychology  Provocative Therapy  Reiki (Master Level)  Sexual Abuse Recovery  Shamanic Counseling  Soul Retrieval  Spiritual Counseling 

Teaching and Coaching Style

Cat's approach is interdisciplinary, interactive, and direct. Compassionate listening and witnessing are essential components of her style, as she encourages people to trust their own knowing and follow their own hearts. While remaining mindful of people's challenges and pain, Cat tempers the hard work of personal growth with humor and playfulness.

Drawing on an eclectic background of conventional and alternative healing techniques, Cat fits the method to the moment in response to people's individual needs. Whether she's working one-on-one or with groups, Cat believes in the power of healing that comes from the creative partnering of equals based on personal responsibility and mutual respect.

Cat Saunders, Ph.D., is a personal and professional consultant, shamanic practitioner, and nonsectarian minister. She is the author of Dr. Cat's Helping Handbook (available at bookstores or Amazon.com). Click here to contact Cat or learn more about her work by returning to the home page. To schedule in-person or telephone consultations, please call Cat's 24-hour confidential voice mail at (206) 329-0125.

For permission to reprint any of the articles, interviews, or other information included on this Web site, please contact Cat.