Catie Herst, LCPC shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Catie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
While as a society we are making HUGE leaps & bounds in the mental health world in discussing things more openly & safely, there are still many, many misunderstood aspects & unfair stereotypes . As I say often, ‘I don’t believe that everyone who needs or chooses to talk to someone, has a clinical diagnosis.’ It is not necessary to have a diagnosable mental health condition to want to talk to someone to explore things from your past, live presently or to set goals with accountability for your future. It is a beautiful thing to remove the ‘pressure’ of a diagnosis dictating a client’s care & rather focus on meeting them where they are, as they are. I believe that is where true, valuable work can take place.
There are also many untrue images of what a therapist or therapeutic environment might be…. with a client laying on a couch being analyzed at the forefront!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Catie Herst & I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & the founder of Monarch Family Therapy, established in 2018. We are a private practice located in Prairie Village, KS offering mental health services to individuals & families. We provide therapy services to individuals of all ages, starting at age 5. We have been awarded ‘The Best of Johnson County’ in various mental health categories, the last three years in a row, voted on by our clients & community.
When I opened my practice, I thought long & hard about a meaningful name that could embody my vision while still leaving room for future growth. I chose the Monarch, the most commonly recognized butterfly of its species, due to its arduous life journey, filled with a series of ups & downs, much like that of us as humans. The Monarch survives its lengthy migration through the support of its pack, or support system/community, also like us; Life’s difficult stages & journeys are not meant to be traveled alone. After completing its steady transformation over time, from caterpillar to butterfly, the Monarch is able to achieve a healthy, vibrant & fulfilling life and to quite literally, soar. We share a similar goal for our clients that through various stages of life, ups & downs, continuation on the journey, & surrounding support, beautiful transformations may take place.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I have always had a strong work ethic, which began when I was very young & developed my first ‘business’ through babysitting. I independently networked & grew my clientele.
Both of my parents have also always demonstrated a strong work ethic while working full-time & being full-time, engaged & involved parents. They showed me the benefits of working including :financial security, passion, growth & continued learning as well as some of the challenges including: feeling stretched too thin, having to prioritize work at times over other things & managing various responsibilities & roles outside of work.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I’ve always been a processor; someone who benefitted from talking through things with someone else, strategizing, talking about best & worst case scenarios, etc..I think that is part of my love for the therapeutic process today, having the opportunity to provide that space for others. I believe that when we say things out loud, it changes the reality of them in our brain & can help us identify how we’re feeling, form plans of action & or simply feel better by getting it out.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
People who know me best would say that honesty, transparency, depth, realness, kindness & checking in are the most meaningful things to me. Feeling truly heard, valued & safe can be a miraculous thing.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I love & try to live by the Maya Angelou quote “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I hope people speak about how I made them feel safe, loved, valued, appreciated, important and cared for. I hope this for both my friends & family, as well as my professional clients. I hope my story is one of someone who helped provide hope for people at times when it felt like there was none & that I loved my people in the ways they needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monarchfamilytherapy.net/
- Instagram: @monarchfamilytherapyks
- Facebook: Monarch Family Therapy
