- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness practices
About Cathy
Cathy Smith is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Michigan with 18 years of experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, addiction, grief, and concerns common in early adulthood such as career, identity, and coping with life changes.
She began her career after undergraduate studies in sociology, criminology, and Spanish, then worked in a residential treatment setting for young people with emotional and mental health needs. That hands-on work led her back to school for a master's in special education and later a master's in counseling psychology, followed by licensure as an LPC.
Cathy draws on several practical methods in sessions. She uses client-centered techniques to listen and build trust, cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thinking and behavior, mindfulness practices for moment-to-moment coping, psychodynamic ideas to look at past patterns, and solution-focused tools to set clear goals.
Her background includes teaching in institutional, public, private, and alternative settings, which shaped her interest in giving people more time to talk through challenges. She has worked with a wide age range and with issues including PTSD, parenting difficulties, learning differences, and autism spectrum concerns, adapting methods to each person’s needs.
Cathy speaks English and Spanish and accepts international clients. She emphasizes working from a person's strengths and partnering with them to reduce distress and build practical skills for everyday life.
How Cathy’s approaches translate to online work
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching specific skills and experiments to try between sessions.Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and reflecting so the client can explore what matters to them. It helps people clarify values, strengthen decision making, and feel heard while they tackle issues like relationships or career choices.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Cathy will discuss goals and preferences and together decide whether to emphasize skills-based CBT, mindfulness practice, or more exploratory psychodynamic work. That collaboration helps shape session structure and homework between meetings.
Confirm the exact session formats available before booking. Many people find online sessions fit into busy days by removing travel time and allowing shorter check-ins around work or classes. Others like the option of video when they prefer face-to-face interaction, or phone when bandwidth is limited or a quicker conversation is needed. Discuss what will fit your schedule and needs when you first connect.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What common concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, addictions, ADHD, career questions, and other life changes.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a mix of client-centered listening, CBT to address thoughts and behaviors, mindfulness skills, psychodynamic reflection, and solution-focused goal work.
How much experience does she have?
She has 18 years of clinical and teaching experience across residential care and educational settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) licensed in Michigan and practices from that state.
Does she offer sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can she work with people outside the United States?
She accepts international clients; confirm any time zone or licensing questions when booking.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.