Catherine S. Tilford, MA, NCC, LPC, CEDS: Founder & Director
Currently Not Accepting New Clients
(Supervises Kenzie, Isabella, Scotlyn, Claire, and Hennessy)
Meet Catherine
I am passionate about helping people heal their relationships with food, exercise, and their bodies which is why I became a counselor and founded Embrace Strength Counseling in 2011. I’ve always been curious about people’s stories and how we make meaning out of our experiences. As a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, I specialize in treating the full spectrum of eating disorders from a non diet and weight inclusive lens. I also specialize in working with anxiety, fertility and postpartum concerns, trauma, and perfectionism/self-worth. My goldendoodle, Willow, is a certified therapy dog and loves providing comfort and support to the clients I see in office.
I’m a Colorado native who loves getting outside, reading, cooking, and spending time with my family. Growing up, I loved school and sports. I was perfectionistic and high achieving in both arenas and felt like no matter how hard I tried, it was never good enough. Eventually, I felt like I wasn’t good enough which contributed to my own struggle with an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety for many years. I am also a trauma survivor. My recovery journey began when I decided I couldn’t live the way I was living anymore because I was going to lose everything important to me. I sought out treatment and over time discovered an inner strength I didn’t realize I possessed. As a recovered professional, I strive to support others in finding their own recovery so they can get back to living their lives and doing what they enjoy.
I earned my master’s degree in counseling from the University of Colorado Denver. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist. My approach to counseling is strengths-based and integrative. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. I served on the Board of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp), volunteered as President of the iaedp Denver Metro Chapter for four years, and taught master’s level counseling courses at the University of Colorado Denver. I’ve completed over 45 hours of advanced training in clinical supervision and provide clinical supervision and professional consultation services, in addition to counseling services.