Dr. Nzinga Cates

LCMHC

My path to becoming a therapist is rooted in both personal experience and a deep commitment to trauma-informed care. Growing up around mental health challenges helped me understand how trauma can quietly shape identity, relationships, and self-worth. I saw how unspoken pain can ripple through families, and I knew I wanted to be part of changing that. I chose this profession because I believe trauma deserves to be met with safety, honesty, and compassion. My work focuses on helping clients make sense of what they’ve lived through, reconnect with themselves, and move forward without shame. Healing is possible, and no one should have to navigate it alone.

Growing up with a parent who struggled with mental illness deeply shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. I understand what it feels like to love someone who is hurting, to navigate uncertainty at home, and to carry emotions that can be confusing or overwhelming. Those experiences gave me a deep sense of empathy and a genuine respect for how complex family dynamics can be. In my work with clients, I bring that understanding into the room. I know how isolating these experiences can feel, and I want the people I work with to feel seen, understood, and not judged. You don’t have to minimize your story or make it more “acceptable” here. There is space for the messy, the painful, and the complicated. I believe healing happens when we can talk honestly about what we’ve lived through, without shame. I hope that clients leave our work together feeling less alone, more grounded in their own truth, and empowered to build something healthier for themselves moving forward.