Catherine (Cathy) Orzolek-Kronner

Cathy’s career is coming full circle as she returns to the therapy room after 24 years of teaching in the Social Work Department at McDaniel College. During these years, she served as Professor, Department Chair, Director of Field Education and Program Director. Prior to this, she served as a clinical social worker for 13 years in a variety of settings, although mostly worked with individuals and their families challenged with eating disorders, alcoholism, and other mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and attachment insecurities. She also has extensive experience in grief and loss, sexual trauma, acquired disabilities, issues faced by the LGBT+ community, and relational conflict. Cathy is culturally competent and sensitive to the issues of diverse populations.

Cathy earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Maryland/McDaniel College, her master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, and her doctorate in Social work from the Smith College School of Social Work. She mostly practices from a psychodynamic perspective, although is also well informed in motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems theory. Essentially, Cathy offers a strength based relational approach as the foundation for enacting change, building resilience, and/or finding solace.

She enjoys working individually with both adolescents and adults. She has intervened with a range of family compositions and partnerships. Cathy recognizes and appreciates the fears and apprehensions many people encounter when considering counseling and she encourages folks to take the risk and bring these concerns with them to the session and then determine whether or not embarking upon the therapeutic journey is the best choice for you.