Professional Counseling & Therapy in Waukesha County
With Catherine Gierszewski, MA, LPC, NCC
Child, Adolescent, Adult and Family Therapist
“Hi, I’m Cathy, a therapist and the founder of Gierszewski Counseling. I am proud to welcome clients into our permanent practice location—a dedicated, calming space we intentionally designed to offer you the utmost convenience, privacy, and a relaxed atmosphere.”
Education:
At Ashford University I earned a B.A. in Psychology in 2011. In 2014, I earned an M.A. in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am very proud of my academic record where I graduated in the top 1% of my class and earned a scholarship. I am a National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC), which holds therapists to a higher standard of excellence.
Experience:
I have 10+ years of professional experience and decades of life experiences that I bring into therapy, which helps me relate and understand the challenges of marriage and parenting. Having an early childhood background, I worked with very young children and their parents for 13 years.
Over my lifetime I’ve overcome many of life’s changes and challenges, which adds to my therapeutic perspective. Being a naturally positive person, I incorporate positivity into all my interactions both professionally and personally. Most people find me friendly, empathetic, trustworthy, and non-judgmental.
Approach:
My therapeutic approach incorporates various techniques and philosophies to meet the unique needs of my clients. I have used client-centered, positive psychology, CBT, play therapy, talk therapy, art therapy, and solution-focused techniques. I am always looking to add new therapeutic techniques to meet my clients’ needs.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing: anxiety, stress, depression, child behavioral issues, parenting challenges, and life changes / adjustment issues.
Specializations:
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Issues: Growing up brings unique social, behavioral, and emotional challenges. I provide a structured but warm environment where younger clients can safely learn to process complex feelings and communicate effectively.
Anxiety & Depression Support: Persistent worry and low mood can disrupt daily life and family dynamics. Using customized evidence-based techniques, we work together to build practical coping mechanisms and restore a sense of daily balance.
Bullying & Peer Pressure Issues: Navigating school environments can feel incredibly overwhelming for teens. My therapy sessions focus on building unshakeable self-esteem, defining healthy personal boundaries, and teaching practical communication toolstoovercome peer challenges.
Therapeutic Approaches Summarized:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We pinpoint unhelpful thought patterns to change negative behavioral loops directly.
Play & Art Therapy: These creative outlets help children express deep emotions when words feel insufficient.
Solution-Focused Counseling: A goal-directed approach centered on immediate, actionable steps for forward progress.
Client-Centered Care: A non-judgmental, collaborative relationship focused entirely on your individual emotional wellness goals.