Our Providers | Catherine Vu, LMFT

Catherine Vu, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Catherine Vu is a bicultural Vietnamese-American psychotherapist who provides a warm, empathetic, and culturally affirming space for children, teens, young adults, and families. To Catherine, therapy is an opportunity to feel seen, understood, and supported while developing greater self-awareness, confidence, and connection to one's authentic self. She believes that every person's life experiences, challenges, emotions, and healing journey are unique, and therefore therapy should be tailored to the individual. She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients can explore difficult emotions, better understand their needs, recognize their strengths, and feel empowered to make choices that align with who they are.

Catherine incorporates a variety of therapeutic approaches based on each patient's individual needs, including Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR and other methods of Trauma-Informed Therapy, Multi-Cultural Therapy, and holistic healing strategies. She also brings a culturally curious perspective to the therapeutic process and incorporates knowledge of spirituality when it is meaningful and appropriate for the patient.

As an Asian-American therapist, Catherine understands that navigating multiple cultures, traditions, values, and familial expectations can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming. She is passionate about helping patients explore their identity, purpose, and emotional needs within the context of their families and communities. Her personal experience as a bicultural Vietnamese-American informs her culturally curious and affirming approach, particularly when working with BIPOC individuals and those navigating generational or cultural expectations.

Catherine also has a particular interest in supporting highly sensitive people and empaths. She understands that heightened emotional awareness can sometimes feel overwhelming or exhausting, while also recognizing that sensitivity can be a meaningful strength. Through therapy, she helps patients develop greater awareness and tools for managing their emotions while learning to embrace the qualities that make them unique.

At the heart of Catherine's work is the belief that vulnerability can be difficult, but it can also create an opportunity for meaningful growth. She seeks to help clients break free from limiting narratives, expectations, and feelings of obligation that may prevent them from living authentically. Her goal is to support clients in developing greater authenticity, security, and self-acceptance, while allowing them to lead the direction of their own healing journey.

Education & Experience

Catherine earned her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles and her Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton. She speaks English and conversational Vietnamese.

Catherine has experience supporting patients of all ages as they navigate life transitions, developmental changes, academic and career stress, anxiety, depression, relational challenges, identity development, and trauma. She is particularly passionate about working with adults and young adults as they navigate periods of growth, self-discovery, and change, helping them develop greater self-awareness, resilience, emotional awareness, and healthy coping skills. Her clinical experience also includes working with children, adolescents, and families, providing her with a broad understanding of individuals and relationships across many different stages of life.

Outside of her clinical work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her family, exploring her community through food and nature, and expressing her creativity through crafting. She values the opportunity to connect with people and communities in meaningful ways and brings that same curiosity and appreciation for connection into her work with patients.