Prior to becoming a licensed professional counselor and expressive therapist, Catherine Hier pursued many forms of artistic expression, including being a music teacher, singer/songwriter and mask maker, but deep down she knew helping people was a priority.
“I was always most curious about people and what happens in their lives,” Catherine said. “I wanted to help them with their problems, perhaps because I grew up in my own challenging situation due to my parents’ struggles with alcoholism,” she added. “I became focused on exploring my own psyche and examining the human spirit -- cultivating empathy and gaining insight into comprehending life's struggles.”
Catherine attended the University of New Hampshire, where she majored in psychology and minored in theater. Afterwards, her love of the arts and research compelled her to find a way to put the two together. A friend mentioned that she should consider a career in expressive therapy. After learning more about the discipline, Catherine was completely hooked and decided to pursue a Master’s degree at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Years later, someone recommended the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) as a resource for financial assistance, and Catherine did some research on the NHSC and found she could reduce her student loan debt while serving those in the greatest need.
“I was amazed at the opportunities offered by the NHSC and wondered why I had never heard of the program before,” she said. “My current work and experience with the NHSC is a privilege that has opened and expanded my world.”
Catherine works at the Center for New Beginnings in Littleton, New Hampshire, which provides counseling and mental health services to individuals and families. There is a high level of sexual and physical abuse in the area and through elements of expressive therapy such as imagery, storytelling, dance, music, and visual arts, Catherine is able to connect with her patients on a more meaningful level.
Catherine sees patients from ages 3 through 70, and she has built trusting and nurturing relationships with them. The Center for New Beginnings is collaborative, with colleagues simultaneously treating various members of one family. “We’re lucky that we get to have the whole family involved,” she said. “The more family members you can get together, the better the outcome will be.”
She offers her patients support and help with problem solving and normalizing difficult issues. “The relationship is key; otherwise no one is going to tell you anything,” she said. She hopes to bring a greater sense of community to Littleton by sharing the notion that the types of problems her patients deal with affect all of us—we’re all human. The Center is often booked and receives many patient referrals. Catherine feels passionately that the services they offer really help people.
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is forming a meaningful connection with my clients and having the privilege of witnessing their struggle and transformation,” she said.
She hopes to become a NHSC Ambassador soon to inspire and motivate students and providers to serve in communities with limited access to care. While Catherine’s service commitment ended last year, she plans to continue with her work and remain in her lovely old farmhouse in the White Mountains.
