Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Catherine Bitney
Dr. Catherine Bitney is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, who joined the department in 2013, after completing a postdoctoral internship at the Texas State University Counseling Center. Dr. Bitney teaches a variety of courses, including Psychopathology, Personality Psychology, Lifespan Development, Adult Development and Aging, and the Psychology of Women. They have received several awards in recognition of excellence in teaching, including the Presidential Distinction Award and the Golden Apple.
Dr. Bitney also leads the Department’s Counseling Career Chats (CCCs) for undergraduate students interested in various clinically oriented career paths. In the CCCs, Dr. Bitney guides students in pursuit of graduate school, helping them select the appropriate programs for their clinical interests, and preparing students for what to expect in their professional careers. The CCCs feature guest speakers, who are professionals in the field, with diverse academic backgrounds, licensures, and clinical experiences. The CCCs provide students with a comprehensive overview of the counseling profession and Dr. Bitney works closely with each student individually to develop a plan for their unique academic journey.
In addition to working with undergraduate students, Dr. Bitney maintains a clinical practice at Texas Optimal Performance and Psychological services in Austin. Dr. Bitney’s 10-year practice specializes in helping clients explore their intersecting identities through individual therapy. Dr. Bitney takes a compassionate and holistic approach in therapy sessions, integrating clients’ multifaceted identities to help them navigate their lived experiences, providing tools for clients to remove their own psychological barriers, and spark inward recognition of their own ability to meet their full potential.
Dr. Bitney serves on the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) executive committee, providing support for this organization as one of their finance officers. In addition, they are also the co-chair of the LGBTQQ division within AAPA, which is comprised of students and professionals committed to understanding the social, cultural, emotional, political, and personal factors impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) LGBTQQ identity. A longtime member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Dr. Bitney is a part of the Divisions of the Psychology of Women, Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues, and Psychology of Ethnic Minority Issues. Before joining our department, Dr. Bitney was selected to be an AAPA Leadership Fellow and chosen by the APA Minority Fellowship Program to join the Psychology Summer Institute in Washington, D.C.
Long-term, through teaching and clinical practice, Dr. Bitney wants to uphold visible representation for students in the community. Specifically, they desire to continue advocacy for those who originate from diverse, nonconforming, multiracial, or queer backgrounds. They are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and hope to uplift them as they pursue their goals and aspirations.
Counseling career chats: https://www.psych.txst.edu/resources/career-development.html
Clinical contact information:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/catherine-bitney-austin-tx/253385