About Catherine Sims
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Compassion Focused
Attachment-based
Culturally Sensitive
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Emotionally Focused
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Catherine Sims
I am a licensed counselor, board-certified telemental health provider, approved clinical supervisor, and the founder and Clinical Director of Olympic Trauma Specialists (OTS). With two decades in the behavioral healthcare field since 2006 and private practice experience since 2014, my career has been shaped by clinical leadership, post graduate teaching, and deep clinical engagement. Before establishing OTS, I spent five years serving as Clinical Director at an integrative trauma treatment center and taught as affiliate faculty at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Today, I practice across Washington, Oregon, New York, and Washington, D.C.
At OTS, my trauma work is rooted in relational psychodynamics, nervous system awareness, and genuine, grounded human connection. I do not see trauma as a checklist of symptoms to eliminate. Instead, I view survival strategies with profound respect as adaptive, intelligent responses to overwhelming environments. My therapeutic approach integrates insight oriented psychodynamic depth with practical nervous system stabilization, helping individuals explore relational patterns, process unresolved wounds, and reclaim authentic agency.
I bring this same nonhierarchical, relational philosophy to clinical supervision and consultation. Growth as a clinician requires a balance of rigorous ethical grounding and an emotionally safe, attuned space to examine countertransference, vulnerability, and professional identity. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor, I partner with supervisees and consultees collaboratively. We demystify complex clinical dynamics and cultivate reflective, sustainable practices, ensuring clinicians feel supported and confident while navigating the complexities of trauma informed care.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Entering therapy is an act of trust, and knowing what to expect can help you feel grounded from the very start. At Olympic Trauma Specialists, my therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, and rooted in a relational psychodynamic approach. I prioritize genuine human connection, emotional safety, and a steady pace that honors your nervous system above all else.
Our work begins with a thorough, well paced, trauma informed intake process. Rather than rushing to unpack vulnerable history before a foundation is built, we move with intentionality. We take the time needed to establish safety, understand what has brought you here, and map out your goals and boundaries. Your story unfolds on your timeline, never under pressure.
Therapy with me is not about applying rigid formulas or simply managing surface symptoms. I believe the patterns, behaviors, and defenses you carry are adaptive, intelligent responses that helped you survive overwhelming environments. Together, we look beneath the surface to explore unconscious dynamics, relational injuries, and nervous system responses, bringing compassion to the parts of you that have worked hard to keep you safe.
To support lasting change, our sessions follow a cadence that offers space to reflect, integrate, and adjust. Growth does not happen solely in breakthrough moments; it lives in the rhythm of slowing down, processing insights, checking in on what feels supportive, and recalibrating as your needs evolve. We consistently assess our working dynamic so you always retain voice and agency in the room.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Each 53 minute session is shaped collaboratively around your unique needs, balancing immediate, short term priorities with your long term goals for healing.
Therapy is not one size fits all. Some clients thrive with a clear, organized structure, focusing on specific themes, tools, and steady check ins. Others benefit from a more fluid, organic space where thoughts, sensations, and feelings can unfold naturally as they arise. Rather than prescribing a rigid agenda, we discover that dynamic together, adapting the rhythm as your process evolves.
Throughout our time, we focus on both emotional depth and nervous system stabilization. Whether we are untangling relational patterns, processing heavy experiences, or simply pausing to catch your breath, our work moves at a pace that honors your boundaries. You can always expect an attentive, grounded space where your agency is prioritized and the structure directly serves your comfort and growth.
Catherine Sims, LMHC, MS is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
More information on payments and coverage
Navigating insurance and payments should be transparent and straightforward so financial stress never gets in the way of your care. At Olympic Trauma Specialists, we work to make understanding your coverage and investment as seamless as possible.
Insurance Coverage
We are in network with select commercial plans, including Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield. If you plan to use insurance, we verify your benefits prior to our first meeting to help estimate copays, coinsurance, or unmet deductibles. Keep in mind that insurance coverage is an agreement between you and your carrier; we recommend calling the member services number on the back of your card to confirm specific behavioral telehealth benefits. If we are out of network for your particular carrier, we can provide itemized monthly superbills for you to submit for potential out of network reimbursement.
Payment & Billing
All billing is managed securely and electronically through our client portal. Prior to your intake, you will securely store an active credit, debit, or HSA/FSA card on file. Any applicable copays, coinsurance, or self pay fees are processed automatically on the day of your session. We believe in clear communication without unexpected financial surprises, and we are always here to help answer questions about your statements or account.
Education and background
Practice names
- Olympic Trauma Specialists
Board certifications
- Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (CCE)
- Approved Clinical Supervisor (CCE)
Education and training
- Chestnut Hill College, MS Clinical Counseling Psychology. Concentration in Trauma Studies
- Western Michigan University, BA Intrapersonal Communications. Minor in Women's Studies
Professional memberships
- American Counseling Association
NPI number
1194962563
How soon can I make an appointment with Catherine Sims?
Generally, Catherine Sims has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Catherine Sims's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Catherine Sims accepting new patients?
Catherine Sims generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Catherine Sims's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Catherine Sims accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Catherine Sims is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Catherine Sims online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Catherine Sims using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Catherine Sims work with?
Catherine Sims works with Olympic Trauma Specialists.
Which board certifications does Catherine Sims have?
Catherine Sims is certified by Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (CCE) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (CCE).
What are common reasons for patients to see Catherine Sims?
Catherine Sims frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Catherine Sims on their profile.
What languages does Catherine Sims speak?
Catherine Sims speaks English.