CATHERINE J. HUNTER, LCSW, CADC, PMH-C
As a social worker for over 30 years, Catherine’s personal speciality is treating adult women in outpatient counseling. She specializes in treating depression and anxiety and mood disorders including postpartum depression and hormone induced depressive disorders. She has vast experience treating post-traumatic stress disorders due to trauma including incest, sexual abuse, rape and abortion. She treats adults affected by divorce as well as helps clients process their own parents’ addictions or divorce. She has a heart for the children, teens and adults living in a family who has a parent or sibling with a substance abuse/addiction and/or process addiction. She assesses sexual abuse/addiction, compulsive overspending, gambling, and other compulsive behaviors. When necessary, Catherine refers clients to higher level of care treatment both in an intensive outpatient and inpatient hospitalization program.
Education
- Catherine completed her Master of Science degree in Social Work from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois, Chicago, in 1987 / Bachelor Degree in Social Work from Marquette University in 1986
- Catherine is a Licensed clinical Social Worker
- Catherine is also a Certified Addictions Counselor since 1987
- Catherine is a certified therapist in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (Nov/12)
- Catherine has her Perinatal Mental Health Certification (Feb/19)
Clinical/Professional Experience
- Self-employed in private practice since 1989 and currently located in Lake Zurich serving individuals, couples, families, and groups of adolescents and adult clientele
- In 1989, Catherine worked for the ATC, Addictions Treatment Center of Central DuPage Hospital serving adolescents and adult substance abusers, addicts, partners and family systems identifying and treating inpatient and outpatient counseling programs for patients
- Catherine worked with Dr. Barry Rabin, MD; Dr. Conchita Gavino, MD; and Dr. Chadha in their private practice from 1987-1989
- Catherine provided alcohol and drug assessments, counseling, student assistance programming with District 47 grade schools and high schools
- She developed the Student Assistance Program for District 47 junior and senior high school programs
- Catherine developed and implemented the Discovery Program for students suspended and detained for substance use at school and at home; trained teachers, nurses, and administrators about substance abuse/dependency and how to intervene for the student and family to ensure appropriate levels of care for the student problems
- From 1986 to 1989 , Catherine worked for 3 years in an adolescent psychiatric hospital unit as a social worker doing clinical assessment, treatment, individual and family counseling as well as discharge planning with the student’s school and support systems at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elgin
- Catherine has 2 years experience at the Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse of Family Services Center of McHenry county
- She has held a position in Marketing and developed referral relationships with school and community professionals
- Catherine had over 36 years of continuing education in the field of mental health and alcohol and other substance abuse treatment
Volunteer Experience
- Small Group Women’s Bible Study Leader and Coach and Member of Prayer Ministry at The Chapel Lake Zurich
- Home Small Group Bible Study lead and coach for 10 years in WCCC Women’s Ministry
- WCCC Community Referral Network/The Chapel Community Referral Network/Northwest Community Church Referral Network
- Wrote and developed curriculum for Postpartum Depression Support Group at WCCC
- Elevate Junior High School Ministry at WCCC
Professional Activities
- NASW – National Association of Social Workers
- Member of American Association of Christian Counselors
- IAODAPCA – Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association
- Postpartum Support International
- Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce
- Restoring the Hearts Ministry/RTHM Wildflowers Sexual Abuse Treatment Group Program for Women and Mens Group/Into My Arms; Cultivating Healing After Abortion Treament Group for Women
- ACTheals – Advancing Christ-Centered Healthcare – one healer at a time
- Completed the Postpartum Support International Three Day Certificate Training on Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care
- Catherine is enrolled in a year long online training school for Prophetic Prayer Ministry entitled Prophetic Heart Healing since June, 2023. She is an active team member and Prayer Warrior in the Chapel of Lake Zurich Prayer Ministry.
Personal Interests:
- The Great Outdoors – Catherine loves the Midwest Great Lakes! Her favorite getaway is water, boating, kayaking, swimming and floating in God’s lovely creation. Her favorites are Up in The North Woods.
- Anything furry- Catherine has two sweet kitties named Mr Fluffikins and his brother, Lu, Lu.
- Gathering with family & friends – Catherine loves to gather and celebrate EVERYONE/ EVERYTHING! Life is more appreciated when we express our love & gratitude. Mark, her husband, is a great BBQ cook and the two of them make a great hosting team for any celebration. A perfect gathering includes sharing, encouragement and prayer for one another. And dessert of course!