Dr. Cathie Gum

Psychotherapy A licensed psychologist in both California and Oregon, I work with adult individual clients from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, meaning that I hold the view that we humans are all born with a Self with innate, healing capacities. As we go through life, we develop adaptive survival and protective strategies in response to the specific characteristics and challenges of our unique body, environment, family, external relationships, life experiences, and culture. IFS involves befriending these protective strategies, coming to understand their original intentions, and healing the wounds which once made them necessary. As we heal, we can let go of burdens we no longer need to carry and reconnect with ourselves, others, and our environment in more vital, harmonious, and satisfying ways. I am a cisgender, heterosexual, white female; my pronouns are she/her/hers. The focus of my practice has encompassed a wide variety of human experiences. Clients I've learned and grown with include undergraduate and graduate students, creative and other professionals, therapists, teachers, and parents. Consultation I offer IFS-informed case consultation for IFS therapists and practitioners, providing hours towards IFS certification and opportunities for professional development and personal growth. I also offer consultation to people who are not seeking psychotherapy, but who are interested in getting to know their own internal system and in accessing more awareness, Self-compassion, internal balance, and clarity. Scheduling Availability I am only seeing clients virtually for the time being, and have some availability for clients seeking IFS psychotherapy, IFS consultation, or IFS case consultation. Background & Interests After studying and performing as a dancer, I trained in and practiced dance/movement therapy and yoga. These interests eventually inspired me to learn more, so I completed a doctorate and became a licensed psychologist. One focus of my doctoral work was the impact of early stressful experiences upon emotional wellbeing throughout life, in the context of traditional psychodynamic theories and their relevance to current neuroscientific research. Among the therapeutic approaches I use today with clients are Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and EMDR. A Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, Approved IFS Consultant, and Certified EMDR Therapist, I am engaged in ongoing professional training in these modalities. Education Psy.D. California School of Professional Psychology - Clinical Psychology, Health M.A. California School of Professional Psychology - Clinical Psychology, Health B.A. California State University, Long Beach - Dance Performance & Choreography Clinical Training Internal Family Systems Institute - IFS Certified Therapist & Approved IFS Consultant EMDR Institute - EMDR Certified Therapist Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute - Trauma & Developmental Trauma Wright Institute Los Angeles - Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Julia Ann Singer Center - Child & Family, Family Stress Programs San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health - Homebound Program University of California, Los Angeles - Dance/Movement Therapy Professional Experience Cathie Gum, PsyD~A Psychological Corporation - Owner & Psychologist University of Southern California - Psychologist, Student Counseling Services Arthur L. Kovacs, Ph.D. and Associates - Psychological Assistant Center for Discovery and Adolescent Change - Primary Therapist Professional Affiliations California Psychological Association Oregon Psychological Association Internal Family Systems Institute Foundation for Self Leadership EMDR International Association