Hi! I'm Catrina
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and EMDR Certified Therapist with over 20 years of experience working alongside survivors of abuse, trauma, and relationship harm.
I started my career in a domestic violence agency, and that work shaped everything I do.
HOW I STARTED
Where I Started and Why It Matters
I started my clinical journey sitting across from survivors of abusive relationships in a domestic violence agency, listening as they tried to make sense of what they had been through. Even now, so many clients arrive in therapy confused, second-guessing themselves, and asking things like, “Is this really abusive or am I gaslighting myself?” or “What’s wrong with me that I still miss my ex?”
I’ve seen how hard it is to name emotional abuse, especially when no one else has validated it. Often, clients minimize their pain with phrases like, “It wasn’t that bad. Other people have it worse.” But I’ve also seen what happens when the dots begin to connect. When someone realizes they’re not broken, but have been deeply wounded by someone they trusted. There are often tears in those moments. Relief. And a sense that they’re finally being heard without judgment.
“My role isn’t to tell anyone what to do. It’s to create a space where survivors feel safe enough to explore their own truths, regain their sense of self, and consider their next steps at their own pace.”
I work with survivors of:
Narcissistic and emotional abuse · Domestic violence and IPV · Coercive control · Relationship trauma · Teen dating violence
QUALIFICATIONS
Credentials and Licensure
LICENSES
- LPC-S Texas #68184 · BHEC Council Approved Supervisor
- LPC Arizona #LPC-22564
- LPC Virginia #0701013755
- Telehealth credentialed South Carolina #779
- Telehealth credentialed Florida #TPMC3729
CERTIFICATIONS
- EMDR Certified Therapist (EMDRIA)
- EMDR Approved Consultant (EMDRIA)
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
EDUCATION
- EducationMaster of Arts in Counseling · Dallas Baptist University
- PhD Candidate, Counselor Education and Supervision · Liberty University (in progress)
HOW I WORK
My Approach to Healing
Healing from trauma is not about “just talking it out.” Many of the survivors I work with feel stuck. They understand what happened logically, but the fear, guilt, or shame still lives in their body. That is where EMDR comes in.
EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories without becoming overwhelmed by them. It reduces emotional intensity and helps the nervous system begin to feel safe again. I use it because it reaches what talk therapy alone often cannot.
My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, which means I do not assume, push, or pathologize. I recognize how trauma shapes identity, relationships, and the sense of safety. My goal is always to honor your pace and autonomy while offering strategies that support real change.
If desired, I can also incorporate Biblical principles or a faith-based perspective into our work together. I welcome clients of all backgrounds and belief systems.
01
Safety First
Before processing any trauma, we build grounding skills and coping tools so you feel steady between sessions, especially important if you are still in contact with the person.
02
No Pressure, No Assumptions
I do not tell clients what happened or what to do next. I create the space where you can figure that out yourself, at your own pace, without judgment.
03
Rebuilding Self-Trust
As trauma memories become less overwhelming, we work on reconnecting with your own sense of judgment, identity, and capacity to trust, both yourself and others.
04
Moving Forward
We do not just focus on the past. We build clarity about who you are now and what you want your life to look like going forward, on your terms.
Where I'm Featured
I speak on panels and appear on podcasts about trauma recovery, emotional abuse, and relationship healing. My goal is always the same: to make conversations about trauma more informed, compassionate, and hopeful, for both survivors and the clinicians who support them.
I am also listed on verified therapist directories so clients can find me through trusted third-party sources.
PODCAST FEATURE
QUESTIONS
Things People Often Ask
Still unsure? The free 15-min call is the easiest way to get answers specific to your situation.
Catrina Drinning-Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor who specializes in trauma recovery, EMDR therapy, and narcissistic abuse healing for teens and adults. Her work focuses on helping survivors of emotional and relationship trauma rebuild safety, confidence, and self-trust.
Catrina provides trauma-informed therapy for individuals recovering from relationship trauma, emotional abuse, and teen dating violence. She uses EMDR, person-centered therapy, and attachment-based approaches to help clients process trauma safely and rediscover a sense of peace and empowerment.
Yes. Catrina provides secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth sessions so clients can receive therapy from the privacy and comfort of their own homes.
Catrina offers online therapy to clients in multiple states across the U.S.:
- Texas: Serving clients in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and throughout the entire state of Texas.
- Arizona: Serving clients in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Mesa, and all of Arizona.
- Virginia: Serving clients in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Alexandria, and across all of Virginia.
- South Carolina: Providing Telehealth therapy to clients in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and across South Carolina.
- Florida: Serving clients in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and throughout the state of Florida.
She works with teens, adults, and parents who are navigating the effects of trauma, emotional abuse, and complex or controlling relationships. Catrina also supports survivors of narcissistic abuse, those recovering from toxic relationships, and teens healing from dating violence or emotional manipulation.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps the brain process traumatic or distressing experiences without becoming overwhelmed. It reduces emotional distress, improves self-trust, and restores a sense of safety in both mind and body. Many clients experience lasting relief from anxiety, guilt, and intrusive memories.
Yes. In addition to working with teens and individual clients, Catrina includes parents in the healing process. She helps parents learn how to respond to their teen’s emotions with empathy, strengthen communication, and create safety at home.
Yes. As an EMDR Approved Consultant, Catrina provides EMDR consultation and supervision for therapists seeking certification or advanced trauma training.