Concerns I Treat:
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Grief and loss
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Chronic illness
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Medical issues
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Trauma
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Anxiety
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Depression
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End of life support
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Cancer support
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Relationships
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LGBTQIA+
Cierra McNamara is no longer with Catalyss Counseling
Cierra McNamara
She/her
who I work with:
I help adults who have been struggling with chronic illness, medical diagnosis, or traumatic experiences to explore their grief among distressing thoughts and overwhelming emotions, so they can regain a sense of inner strength and stability.
If you or a loved one are living with a serious illness, or have experienced personal trauma or loss, your life feels like it’s been turned inside out. What used to seem enjoyable or important now seem trivial or hopeless. Maybe you’re caught in the web of uncertainty and dread or are having trouble just getting through the day. Trying to balance optimism and meaning with uncertainty and fear, while still managing your everyday obligations can seem impossible. The emotional stress of an unexpected loss or diagnosis has you feeling alone and unsupported, despite looking for answers.
If you’ve been paralyzed by questions such as: Why me? What now? How do I go on? What does the future look like? Then have hope. There is a way forward. What happened to you recently or in the past does not have to define who you are today. If you crave a sense of inner balance, sanity, and comfort, I can help.
about me:
For over 20 years I’ve enjoyed a variety of careers, with a common thread of working with people through illness, end of life, and grief. In my work as an oncology massage therapist, I learned how difficult it is for people to express their deepest fears, and the physical and emotional freedom that occurs when allowed to do so. Through my experiences as a death doula and hospice volunteer, I learned the importance of providing stable companionship for people consumed by uncertainty and despair. I also have experience in meditation, and throughout this I witnessed the power of stillness and silence in unraveling self-defeating storylines.
At the same time, my work as a book coach I recognized our human need for storytelling and personal meaning-making. In my role as a palliative care community educator, I realized that quality-of-life discussions are necessary at every stage of life, not just at the end of life. Even facilitating grief support groups helped me become aware of the enduring damage that happens when we aren’t allowed to explore or express our losses in life. Now as a social work student, I understand that every conversation with a client is an opportunity to restore connections and foster compassion that we all desire and deserve.
I’m currently in school at Metro State University, completing my Master’s of Social Work degree. I utilize grief and loss therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and narrative therapy in my work. I am passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ social issues, particularly assisting transgender folx navigating the healthcare system. Outside of work I refuel my tank with day trips to Estes Park, paddleboarding with my husband, studying Italian, and watching far too many kitten videos.