Catherine DeBoer, PsyD., ABPP
There was a time when you expected your body to keep up with your life.
Then the pain became constant. Fatigue settled in. Simple tasks began requiring enormous effort. You found yourself explaining symptoms that others couldn't see, wondering why every test seemed "normal" while you felt anything but. Perhaps you've seen multiple specialists, tried medications, adjusted your lifestyle, and still feel like you're only managing symptoms rather than reclaiming your life.
This is the story I hear every day from adults living with fibromyalgia.
As a Clinical Health Psychologist specializing in fibromyalgia and chronic pain, I understand that fibromyalgia is not "just stress" and it's not "all in your head." It is a complex condition that affects the way the brain and body process pain, stress, sleep, and fatigue. Effective treatment requires more than encouragement—it requires specialized expertise grounded in science and tailored to your unique experience.
At McLean Health Psychology Specialists, I provide evidence-based care designed specifically for adults living with fibromyalgia and related chronic health conditions. Using approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, biofeedback, and behavioral medicine techniques, we'll work together to reduce the impact of pain, improve sleep and energy, strengthen resilience, and help you reconnect with the life that's been overshadowed by fibromyalgia symptoms.
You don't need someone to tell you to "push through." You deserve a specialist who understands the complexities of fibromyalgia and can help you move forward with a thoughtful, research supported treatment plan. My goal is not simply to help you cope with fibromyalgia—it's to help you regain confidence, restore function, and build a life that is no longer defined by fibromyalgia.
My Approach
At the heart of my practice is the belief that meaningful healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating a warm, supportive, and confidential environment where you can feel comfortable bringing your full self into the process—your concerns, strengths, values, and aspirations. My goal is to provide the kind of person-centered attention and thoughtful care that allows genuine growth and lasting change to occur.
As a board-certified health psychologist in McLean, Virginia, I take a collaborative approach to treatment. I recognize that each person's experience with fibromyalgia or chronic pain is unique. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, we work together to develop strategies tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and priorities. Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, greater self-management of your fibromyalgia symptoms, or healthier habits that support long-term wellbeing, our work is designed to help you achieve meaningful and lasting results.
My practice integrates evidence-based approaches drawn from health psychology, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, Motivational Interviewing, health behavior change strategies, grief counseling, clinical hypnosis, and biofeedback. These scientifically supported treatments are carefully tailored to help you cultivate resilience, improve emotional wellbeing, and restore a greater sense of balance, vitality, and quality of life.
Through compassionate, expert care and a collaborative partnership, my goal is not simply to help you manage fibromyalgia symptoms, but to empower you to live more fully and confidently—so that your health challenges no longer define what is possible for your life.
Professional Details
Board-Certified Clinical Health Psychologist (ABPP)
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Regent University
B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech
Health Psychology Fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center
Professional Memberships
American Psychological Association Society for Health Psychology
American Board of Professional Psychologists (ABPP)