Cat Lesinski, LCSW
Cat Lesinski (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who provides compassionate, trauma-informed support to children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, ADHD, behavioral challenges, and stress related to school, work, and life transitions. She is also certified as an Animal-Assisted Social Worker and a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner.
Bio:
Cat earned her Master of Social Work and completed specialized training in animal-assisted social work at the University of Denver. She received her TBRI practitioner certification through the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University and has worked to implement this modality with individual caregivers, families and school programs.
Cat has provided clinical services to children with acute mental health and behavioral challenges in pre-school, day-treatment, and residential settings. Cat is accomplished in working with clients with challenges related to anxiety, depression, adjustment, mood related disorders, behavior and conduct disorder, and the effects of significant trauma. She has spent time working as a social worker within acute behavioral health settings and has experience supporting and advocating for these students and families in their journeys through the education system, particularly in relation to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and changes to school placement.
Cat also has significant experience facilitating social-emotional groups for young children, and co-wrote and led annual equine therapy groups for students with emotional regulation and behavioral challenges. Cat has worked with organizations and families to implement animal interventions into therapeutic and educational settings when appropriate.
Cat especially enjoys supporting children and families through emotional and behavioral disruptions using play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) interventions, mindfulness practices, and TBRI coaching. She strives to understand the root causes of emotional responses and supporting clients and families through meeting needs and implementing realistic, lasting change.
Cat Lesinski, LCSW
Cat Lesinski (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who provides compassionate, trauma-informed support to children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, ADHD, behavioral challenges, and stress related to school, work, and life transitions. She is also certified as an Animal-Assisted Social Worker and a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner.
Bio:
Cat earned her Master of Social Work and completed specialized training in animal-assisted social work at the University of Denver. She received her TBRI practitioner certification through the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University and has worked to implement this modality with individual caregivers, families and school programs.
With a background in high-acuity environments - including day-treatment programs, preschools, and residential settings - Cat brings deep expertise in supporting clients with complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, and significant behavioral challenges. She has worked with children and adolescents experiencing school refusal, defiance, aggression, and emotional outbursts, as well as adults navigating the lasting impacts of early trauma, anxiety, and burnout from stressful work environments.
Cat’s clinical approach is eclectic, relational, and tailored to each individual’s needs. She draws from evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. For younger clients, she frequently incorporates play and art therapy to offer expressive, developmentally appropriate pathways to healing. She also provides parent coaching grounded in TBRI
to help caregivers foster connection, regulation, and consistency in their relationships with children.
In addition to individual therapy, Cat has facilitated social-emotional learning groups, co-developed an equine therapy program, and consulted with schools and organizations on implementing animal-assisted interventions in therapeutic and educational settings. She has a special passion for supporting students, families, and educators - particularly those navigating the challenges of school stress, perfectionism, or behavioral disruptions in the classroom.
Cat believes that healing happens in safe, affirming relationships, and that every individual deserves to be seen, understood, and supported. She brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt care to her work, creating space for clients and families to build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.