Cat Buckley
she/they
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington State with a Master's Degree from Texas Tech University, where I specialized in queer, trans, and poly-affirming therapy, as well as sexual trauma. My professional focus is on sex, intimacy, and relationships of all forms, including fostering a positive relationship with oneself.
Clients who tend to thrive in therapy with me are those who are curious and open to exploring new ways of thinking and feeling. They are motivated to try something different, willing to step outside their comfort zones, and ready to embrace greater self-compassion. They are open to challenging and deconstructing beliefs that no longer serve them, and they appreciate the power of humor, recognizing that laughter can be an essential tool for healing and gaining perspective.
My primary goal is to help individuals discover their strength and confidence, empowering them to create positive change in their lives and the world around them.
and like water I always find my way
K. TolnoWhat is therapy?
Therapy provides a safe space to focus completely on you.
It’s about giving authentically to yourself, to your relationships, and to the world.
Therapy has no script. There is no right or wrong way for it to look or feel. No prescription on how to heal. There is abundance in therapy.
We learn how to be present and how to hold space for whatever we might be feeling. The pace of therapy is set by you. Your willingness to be open to yourself, to be vulnerable, and to hold yourself accountable to your own process.
My job is to meet you where you are, to listen to you, help you unravel tangled thinking, and challenge you when you meet resistance. My goal, as your therapist, is to create a safe space for you to explore each and every bit of who you are so that you know exactly what you’re made of.
I believe there is power in connection, in choice, in intuition, and in identity. Now is the time to allow yourself to live fully, to recognize your worth, revel in your body, breathe into every part of yourself and allow yourself to be confidently, unapologetically, and brilliantly, you.
FAQs about Therapy
What happens in a therapy session?
Therapy sessions offer a safe space to explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Depending on your goals, the approach may include conversation, guided exercises, mindfulness, or body-based practices. For more information about therapy with me, visit my About page.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes, with certain exceptions. Confidentiality may be broken if there is an imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of abuse involving a minor, elderly individual, or dependent adult. I adhere to all HIPAA requirements to ensure confidentiality and privacy are maintained.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs. Some people find short-term therapy (a few months) helpful, while others benefit from longer-term support. Some of my clients work with me for as few as 6-8 sessions while others have continued with me for several years! It all depends on you :)
Do you give me a diagnosis?
If you plan to use insurance, a diagnosis will be required. However, I approach therapy from a non-pathologizing perspective, and diagnoses are not a central focus of my practice. In some cases, a diagnosis can help in understanding and normalizing certain behaviors or brain functions, which can be empowering. If we decide to work together, this is a conversation we will have to ensure we’re aligned on your needs.
Will my insurance cover therapy?
Insurance coverage can vary between companies and may differ for individual versus couples therapy. I recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to inquire about your coverage and whether they accept superbills from providers. For more information about superbills, please visit my Services page.
How do I know if we are the right fit?
Finding the right therapist is a personal process. Consider factors like their approach, specialties, and whether their style feels supportive to you. Many therapists offer a free consultation to see if it's a good fit. Trust your instincts—feeling safe and understood is key to effective therapy.
FAQs about Sex Therapy
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy provides individuals and relationships with a space to explore and address sexual concerns, intimacy challenges, and emotional barriers to sexual well-being. I like to think of sex therapy as "upside-down therapy," where we begin at the most vulnerable point and work backward to uncover the factors that influence our sense of safety in vulnerability.
Do I have to be having or had sex to do sex therapy?
No. Sex therapy is about addressing any concerns you may have regarding intimacy, relationships, sexual health, or emotional connections. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, or whether you’re sexually active or not, therapy can help you explore and understand your desires, boundaries, fears, past experiences, and how they shape your relationship with your body.
Will I have to do anything sexual in therapy?
No. Sex therapy is talk-based, and all exercises (such as mindfulness, body awareness, or guided intimacy exercises) are done privately outside of sessions.
Can sex therapy help with past sexual trauma?
Yes. A sex therapist with trauma training can help you heal from past experiences, rebuild trust with your body, and develop a healthier relationship with intimacy. This is an area that I specialize in!
Do I have to talk about my sexual history in detail?
Only if it feels relevant and comfortable. A sex therapist will never push you to share more than you are ready for.
What if I feel embarrassed talking about sex?
That is ok and completely normal! I work to create a judgment-free space where you can explore concerns at your own pace. Sex is a very challenging topic for so many of us and my goal is to help you feel safe, not to further perpetuate shame around sex.
Is sex therapy just for people with sexual dysfunction?
No. While sex therapy can address issues like low desire, erectile difficulties, or pain during sex, it also helps with emotional intimacy, body image, past trauma, and enhancing pleasure
Can sex therapy help if my partner(s) and I have different sex drives?
Yes. Sex therapy can help couples navigate mismatched desires, communicate needs effectively, and explore ways to create fulfilling intimacy for all partners.
Do my partner(s) and I need to attend sex therapy?
No. Sex therapy can be effective for individuals or with relationships, depending on the concerns being addressed.
Trust your intuition
Not the right fit? No problem! I’d be happy to help you find the right clinician to support your journey.
Wondering if we're a good fit?
Visit my Connect page and fill out the form to share a bit about your goals. From there, we can schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss further and see if we're the right fit.