Abby Cate: A Heartfelt Contribution to El Dorado’s Mental Health and Arts
EL DORADO — For the past thirty years, Abby Cate has been a beacon of hope for many in the El Dorado community. As a dedicated mental health counselor and an enthusiastic performer, she has merged her passions in impressive ways.
Born and raised in Ruston, Louisiana, Abby’s journey into performance began in sixth grade when she joined the school choir. Initially wanting to play the flute, she realized that her voice was a free instrument she could use. “It just made sense,” said Cate, reflecting on her choice to sing.
As she progressed to high school, Abby found her true love for theater. Involvement in plays and church performances ignited a passion that would stay with her through college at Louisiana Tech. “I discovered I was meant to perform,” she said, looking back fondly on her experiences.
While in college, Abby met her husband, Steven. As their love blossomed, she came to understand the importance of pursuing a more stable career. “I didn’t want to wait tables forever,” she admitted, realizing she needed a practical field. After much thought and soul-searching, she felt a strong calling to counseling.
Abby switched her major to counseling but continued to nurture her passion for the stage. “I loved being involved in plays,” she said. Balancing her studies, she also held a vocal scholarship, participating in both university chorus and show choir.
After graduating, Abby and Steven settled in El Dorado, where she began her career as a mental health counselor in 1992. Over the years, she has seen countless individuals in need, many of whom have faced difficult hardships. “Most of my clients have been hurt by those they trusted,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of trust in her work.
In her role, she also trains future counselors, guiding them to focus on their clients’ needs rather than just their academic training. “It’s about developing a genuine connection,” she explained. “Sometimes just being present is what matters most.”
Abby believes that, while technology has allowed remote counseling to flourish, nothing compares to face-to-face interaction. “There’s a special connection that happens when you’re in the same room,” she expressed.
Returning to her love for theater soon after moving to El Dorado, Abby finds joy and self-care in performing. After hearing about auditions for a local play, she mustered the courage to try out and landed the role of Rapunzel. “I found a community that welcomed me with open arms,” she said, recalling the friendships formed through theater.
Juggling her career, family life, and theater, Abby has raised two children, Erin and Dalton. After losing Steven a few years ago, her theater and church communities provided immense support. “This community has been my rock,” she shared, grateful for the love and care she received during tough times.
With over three decades in counseling, Abby sees that many struggles remain the same. “Clients teach you so much more than school ever could,” she said, fascinated by their resilience.
Outside her counseling work, she is heavily involved in her church and local theater, where she continues to act and lead songs. Additionally, Abby supports veterans and engages with various community organizations, championing mental health and the arts.
Abby advocates for women entering the counseling field, noting its fairness in pay, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding over outdated standards. “We need to break away from old myths,” she said, urging a more nurturing approach.
For Abby Cate, combining her passion for counseling and theater beautifully illustrates the strength of human connection and the transformative power of compassion in healing.
