Dr-Cathy-Hacker-PHD — Hello & Welcome

Training and Professional Background:
My work is grounded in over 30 years of clinical experience, supported by extensive training in both traditional, transpersonal, psychedelic, and depth-oriented approaches to psychotherapy.
I bring a foundation of rigorous psychological training together with an ongoing commitment to understanding the complexity of human experience - emotionally, relationally, and developmentally.

Clinical Training

I hold a PhD in Multicultural Counseling Psychology an am a Licensed Senior Psychological Examiner, with all the privaleges of a licensed Psychologist.

My early training included work across a range of clinical settings, providing a broad foundation in the assessment and treatment of emotional, relational, and psychological concerns.

Over time, my focus has evolved toward more depth-oriented, relational work with individuals, groups, and couples.

Areas of Advanced Training

In addition to my formal education, I have pursued advanced training in areas that support a more integrative and coprehensive approach to therapy.

These include:

trauma-focused therapies including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Expression
interpersonal, relational, and attachment-based psychotherapy
nature based psychotherapy
couples therapy
somatic and mind-body approaches
preparation and integration for non-ordinary states of consciousness, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
various forms of Breathwork and Meditation Training.

This range of training allows me to meet clients with both clinical rigor and flexibility, adapting the work to the individual rather than applying a single model.

Ongoing development

My approach continues to evolve through ongoing study, consultation, and clinical experience.

I remain engaged with developments in psychotherapy, particularly in the areas that deepen our understanding of

relational dynamics
trauma and integration
the psychological impact of transformative experience
consciounsness expansion

A thoughtful, individualized approach

I draw from multiple perspectives in a way that is responsive to each individual or couple. The goal is not to simply apply techniques, but to create a therapeutic process that is grounded, thoughtful, and capable of supporting meaningful, lasting change.

Services Offered

FREE CONSULTATION

credentials

Educational degrees

Ph.D.
Multi-Cultural Counseling Psychology
Tennessee State University, Nashville

Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling
Specialization in Counseling Psychology
Tennessee State University, Nashville TN

Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minor: Philosophy
Minor: Art
Lipscomb University, Nashville TN

Certifications

Licensed Psychological Examiner
EMDR Level II Certified (EMDRIA)
Reiki Master

professional affiliations

American Psychological Association (1996 – 2006) – Student member APA divisions 17 and 12, Affiliate – American Psychological Association Divisions of Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology; Professional member since 2007.

Tennessee Psychological Association (2000 – 2004) – Professional Member 2007.

Eating Disorders Coalition of Tennessee (2007) Member.

Nashville Psychotherapy Institute (1999 – 2011; 2017 - Current). Student member; Student Board Member 2006-2007; Professional member and co-Chair of Board of Directors for 2007- 2008; Member of the Board of Directors 2009-2010.

research authored

An In-depth View into the Relationship between Spirituality, Ego Strength, and Quality of Life

An Examination of Racial Differences in the Pharmacological Treatment of Depressive Symptoms Among the Elderly

Spirituality and sIGA in an HIV/AIDS Population

Shame and Religious Fundamentalism in College Students