Licensed Psychologist
Dr. McCathren earned his Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP) in Washington, DC, an APA-accredited program. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from American University in Washington, DC and has over ten years of experience working with clients across the lifespan in diverse clinical settings including public schools and community mental health centers. He completed an APA-accredited internship at a community mental health center and a postdoctoral fellowship in the DC public school system, where he provided developmentally informed play therapy to middle and high school students.
Dr. McCathren’s therapeutic approach is collaborative, emotionally-attuned, and client-centered. He integrates emotion focused therapy (EFT) with cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches, among other evidence-based techniques, in his work with clients.
In his current practice, Dr. McCathren works primarily with adults with anxiety-related challenges as well as both individuals and couples experiencing relationship distress. Challenges with anxiety may include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and specific phobias. As part of this work, Dr. McCathren has an emerging interest in utilizing virtual reality–based exposure therapy (VRET) to help clients overcome fears associated with driving, flying, and heights as well as other fear-based challenges.
Additionally Dr. McCathren is trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, which he integrates with emotion focused therapy (EFT). He helps couples strengthen their communication skills and teaches them skills to enhance each partner’s ability to empathize with through shared perspective-taking to build lasting, mutual understanding. Grounded in compassion and curiosity, Dr. McCathren works collaboratively with individuals and couples to help them move toward the life they envision.