Alt text: A video of a mountain with a lake with a time lapse of the stars above.
Cait Fogerty, MS
She/her/hers
Currently serving clients in Georgia
Hi, I’m Cait, a trauma-informed and liberation-oriented art therapist. I offer a systems-based approach to mental health, taking into consideration the mind-body connection, the health of our relationships and communities, and the impacts of systemic oppression. As an art therapist, I invite incorporating art-making into our sessions as a form of communication, nervous system regulation, and emotional expression – no previous art-making experience required! My goal is to provide an affirming and empowering space to support your wellness and growth.
I am a queer mixed media artist and especially love creating art in collaboration with nature – such as cyanotype printing with plants. I am involved in community organizing and activism work around intersectional struggles for collective liberation. In my free time, I can be found cuddling with my cats, crafting, reading, or spending time outside.
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I am committed to a social-justice informed approach to mental healthcare, understanding the impact of power and privilege inside and outside of the therapy space, as well as the importance of increasing access for folks of marginalized identities. I consider it my responsibility as a therapist to remain self-aware, open to criticism, and seeking to learn and grow.
Book a consultation with me:
In our sessions, incorporating art therapy may look like:
Beginning with a visual check-in using basic art materials
Practicing mindful art directives to ease anxiety and ground in the present moment when feeling activated
Working on an ongoing creative project such as a visual journal or multi-layered artwork to reflect on life experiences and growth over time
Spending time outdoors gathering and creating with natural materials
Incorporating movement for catharsis and somatic engagement
Conducting art therapy assessments – often guided drawing prompts – to gain insight
Integrating art-making into existing protocols for treating trauma
Including traditional crafts from the cultural backgrounds of clients, with their lead
Introducing sensory play with materials such as sand, clay, water, etc.
Discussing symbols, themes, and metaphors that may emerge in your artwork
Creative Expression & Eco-Art Therapy
I am trained as an art therapist and believe that anyone, regardless of their age or artistic background, can benefit from creative expression and mindful art-making. Creating art can support you with understanding and communicating your inner world, fostering connections with the self and others. With the guidance of an art therapist, the basic elements of art – color, line, shape, form, value, texture, and space – can bring to light feelings and experiences that may be difficult to articulate otherwise. Art-making can be a powerful form of storytelling, enabling you to feel seen, and also to envision different possibilities for your future. As an art therapist, I will not interpret or judge your artwork, but rather ask thoughtful questions and encourage reflection on what your art means from your perspective.
Additionally, the act of art-making – the process, rather than the product – has great power to release emotions and regulate the nervous system. During our sessions, I may suggest specific art materials or directives based on your needs and goals, to help access and enhance different areas of creative functioning and processing. Creating art can also facilitate entering a flow state, when action and awareness are in sync, producing an optimal balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the nervous system, resulting in physical and psychological benefits.
I specialize in eco-art therapy, a niche within art therapy that combines art-making and engaging with nature to amplify the healing benefits of both. Nature can serve as the setting and/or inspiration for art-making and provide accessible, sustainable art materials – such as flowers, leaves, stones, seeds, branches, shells, berries, etc. I can guide you through creating natural assemblages or mandalas with foraged materials, with a focus on sensory soothing and self-reflection. We can also explore various forms of eco-printing and flower art, as well as nature-based meditations. Eco-art therapy encourages mindfulness, sensory grounding, alignment with the rhythms of nature, and childlike exploration and curiosity. Furthermore, nature provides endless metaphors for growth, healing, and interconnection with the land and each other.
Trauma-Informed & Liberation-Oriented Approach
The impact of trauma is widespread, having an effect on the mind, the body, relationships, and society.
On an individual level, experiencing trauma can shatter one’s sense of safety and trust in oneself and others. It can also result in chronic nervous system dysregulation and distressing symptoms, such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, overwhelming emotions, and even physical ailments. With compassion and care, I can help you better understand what is happening in your brain and body when trauma is triggered, and together, we can develop strategies and skills to help you feel more calm and in control. I can support you with navigating the impact of trauma on interpersonal relationships and we can explore ways of developing your support system. We can also do deeper processing work, possibly incorporating trauma-informed art therapy modalities. However, I will not push you to dive into anything before you are ready; you will direct the pace and depth of our work together.
I also acknowledge the impact of collective trauma caused by systemic racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, colonialism and imperialism, and other forms of exploitation and discrimination. Trauma occurs on a societal level when communities are denied access to their right to live in safety and with dignity, health, and belonging. Liberation psychology draws from the wisdom of indigenous and activist communities to promote collective care, resistance to injustice, and interdependence between humans, as well as with nature. If this framework feels aligned for you, we can explore related resources and art therapy directives and/or work on connecting you to liberatory networks of community care.
Affirming & Accessible Therapy
I celebrate the diversity of humanity and of our connections to each other. I stand for collective liberation, for folks of all races, genders, sexualities, and abilities to live safe and full lives.
2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming
Living proudly as your full self can be challenging in a world that often represses or punishes difference from the “norm.” I have experience supporting people questioning their sexuality or gender, coming out or transitioning, navigating non-monogamy and/or polyamory, and overcoming internalized homophobia and religious trauma. You deserve care that is validating and authentically affirming, where you do not have to explain or justify yourself or your relationships.
Culturally Sensitive
I have worked for many years in cross-cultural settings, teaching English language learners and supporting immigrant and refugee families resettling in the U.S. I understand the importance of feeling seen and affirmed in your cultural identity, especially when facing discrimination and/or threat of violence. I know that traditional Western talk therapy may feel uncomfortable for those of varied cultural backgrounds, and I am always willing to adapt to what best serves your needs and feels aligned for you.
Understanding of Chronic Illness & Disability
I am personally familiar with navigating chronic illness and disability – I understand how frustrating the diagnosis and treatment process can be, as well as the impact of physical health on mental health, friendships, romantic relationships, work, and more. You deserve to be heard, understood, and supported through your challenges and pain. I am experienced with finding accommodations and making adaptations to increase the accessibility of materials and directives in art therapy. I studied in a fully virtual Art Therapy & Counseling graduate program that prepared me to offer engaging, innovative art therapy in this format.
Neurodivergent Affirming
I am affirming of neurodiversity and take a non-pathologizing approach. Particularly for those who are diagnosed or identify with ADHD, autism, or AuDHD later in life, the journey of unmasking can be a freeing yet challenging experience. I can support you with developing strategies to work with your brain rather than against it, build your support system, mitigate burnout, and live as your most authentic self without shame. You do not need “fixing,” but you do deserve tools and support to help you thrive.
https://affecttheverb.com/disabledandhere/
Support for Adolescents
Being a teenager is not easy! The pressure of figuring out who you are, where you fit, and where you are heading next can feel like a lot. You may be struggling to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, friendships, family pressure, and other responsibilities. You may also be trying out dating, dealing with friendship conflicts, worrying about your body, or feeling overwhelming emotions. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or concerning thoughts, you are not alone. I am here to listen without judgment or shame. You can bring your authentic self and together, we will figure out what helps you feel more confident, calm, and connected.
Teenagers I work with often enjoy keeping a visual journal – a place to explore your thoughts, emotions, and memories through writing and art. When you don’t feel like talking, creating art can be another way to get out your feelings and find some relief. In art therapy, some teens benefit from exploring digital or analog collage art, making zines, editing videos, painting, practicing photography, doodling, molding clay, making jewelry, and more. There are lots of options for how we spend our sessions, but overall, my goal is for you to feel seen, understood, and supported. This is a space for YOU!
Affirming & Accessible Therapy
I celebrate the diversity of humanity and of our connections to each other. I stand for collective liberation, for folks of all races, genders, sexualities, and abilities to live safe and full lives.
2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming
Living proudly as your full self can be challenging in a world that often represses or punishes difference from the “norm.” I have experience supporting people questioning their sexuality or gender, coming out or transitioning, navigating non-monogamy and/or polyamory, and overcoming internalized homophobia and religious trauma. You deserve care that is validating and authentically affirming, where you do not have to explain or justify yourself or your relationships.
Culturally Sensitive
I have worked for many years in cross-cultural settings, teaching English language learners and supporting immigrant and refugee families resettling in the U.S. I understand the importance of feeling seen and affirmed in your cultural identity, especially when facing discrimination and/or threat of violence. I know that traditional Western talk therapy may feel uncomfortable for those of varied cultural backgrounds, and I am always willing to adapt to what best serves your needs and feels aligned for you.
Understanding of Chronic Illness & Disability
I am personally familiar with navigating chronic illness and disability – I understand how frustrating the diagnosis and treatment process can be, as well as the impact of physical health on mental health, friendships, romantic relationships, work, and more. You deserve to be heard, understood, and supported through your challenges and pain. I am experienced with finding accommodations and making adaptations to increase the accessibility of materials and directives in art therapy. I studied in a fully virtual Art Therapy & Counseling graduate program that prepared me to offer engaging, innovative art therapy in this format.
Neurodivergent Affirming
I am affirming of neurodiversity and take a non-pathologizing approach. Particularly for those who are diagnosed or identify with ADHD, autism, or AuDHD later in life, the journey of unmasking can be a freeing yet challenging experience. I can support you with developing strategies to work with your brain rather than against it, build your support system, mitigate burnout, and live as your most authentic self without shame. You do not need “fixing,” but you do deserve tools and support to help you thrive.
https://affecttheverb.com/disabledandhere/
My approach and what a session with me looks like:
A positive therapeutic relationship is essential, thus I prioritize showing up with warmth, genuine empathy, and thoughtfulness. My approach to mental health treatment is holistic and non-pathologizing – I seek to understand the life experiences and identity factors that have shaped your worldview, then support you with identifying and achieving your goals. My aim is to be both validating and empowering and for our work together to feel collaborative.
In therapy with me, you can show up as your full self, however you feel comfortable. No need to dress up or leave your home, or even your bed if you are not up for it. You are free to fidget, move around, and drop your filter. If you have access, you are welcome to join our virtual sessions from a private, safe outdoor area, especially if you are interested in eco-art therapy.
We can decide together what rituals or practices we want to include in our sessions. This could look like routinely beginning with a grounding mediation and visual check-in. Or perhaps you would like to create natural mandalas with foraged materials each season to stay connected with the Earth’s cycles and tap into your inner state of being. You may choose to work on a creative project over time, adding to it during and in between sessions. Or perhaps you would like to destroy some artwork for catharsis or to symbolize letting go, healing, or embracing change.
We will balance art-making with reflection to process your current emotions and experiences. We may also practice coping skills related to nervous system regulation, relational repair, and resource building.
My Specialties
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I believe that you are the expert on your life and story and that there are answers and wisdom within you to support your healing and growth. Through art-making, reflection, and discussion, our work together can help reveal the inner ‘you’ and direct your path forward. We will work at your pace, with your lead, attuned to your needs and goals.
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Rather than focusing on a deficit-based framework, I will support you with identifying and leaning into your strengths and demonstrations of resilience. This does not mean that I will overlook or diminish your struggles or engage in “toxic positivity.” Life is messy and being a human is hard! However, you are persevering and have the ability to make changes in your life. And I am here to support you along the way!
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It can be overwhelming and disheartening to feel like you are continually fighting with your own brain. You may be dealing with anxious or intrusive thoughts that make you feel trapped, afraid, and full of doubt. You may also be noticing effects on your body – a racing heart, a stomachache or nausea, tight muscles, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint. Maybe you have found yourself panicking and not knowing how to make it stop, or stuck in distressing thought loops that feel impossible to control.
You are not alone and there are evidence-based strategies that can help you find some peace of mind. I can offer accessible psycho-education to help you better understand what is happening in your brain and body when anxiety starts to spiral. Then we will work together on building your toolbox of strategies and skills to help regulate your nervous system and ground you in the present moment. It can take time and dedication, but progress is possible!
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Attachment theory can be helpful for conceptualizing relationship dynamics and learning to navigate conflict. I can support you with looking at early attachment relationships and noticing patterns that may be playing out in different connections. I take a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to supporting you with healing past wounds, building a more secure relationship with yourself, and nourishing healthy interdependence with others.
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There is no “correct” timeline or method for processing grief. Losing a loved one can lead to painful reverberations in one’s life, especially when complex relationships and/or histories are present. I am here to listen and empathize, not to rush you or dictate your journey. If you desire, I can guide you through grief-based art therapy directives, adapted to your preferences. For example, you may benefit from creating a memorial book or artwork to honor your loved one and stay connected to them.
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It can be a challenge to take care of yourself while also taking care of others, especially in high stress environments. Folks who work in healthcare, education, and social work fields often face higher risks of burnout and may be exposed to vicarious trauma. I can support you with coping with daily stress, advocating for yourself, and finding balance. This is a space where you can freely express your feelings of rage, grief, or overwhelm.
Badges, Certifications, & Directories
Openings available
I accept:
Self-pay
Sliding scale
Open Path
Out-of-network benefits
FSA/HSA
In network with:
Aetna
Credentialing in progress for:
BCBS
For clients wishing to use out-of-network benefits:
We've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.
See if you qualify: https://mentaya.co/checkbenefits/counselingzebra
Mentaya is perfect if you:
• Have out-of-network benefits
• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance
• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement
• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!
You can also use the tool below to check your out-of-network benefits:
Working with me
Direct supervision under:
Clinical Direction under:
Lauren St John, LPC, ATR, NCC, ASDCS
Use the calendar below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation phone call with the therapist you would like to work with, or you can contact us through the contact form for help scheduling a free 15-minute video chat consultation!
Schedule a consult call
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