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Kathryn Opfer

Kathryn Opfer, LCSW

Wisconsin

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LCSW - Stress and Life Purpose

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Life purpose focus
  • CBT and DBT methods

About Kathryn

Kathryn Opfer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Wisconsin with five years of direct therapy experience and a longer background in social work. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, bipolar disorder, depression, and life changes. Her practice also addresses concerns linked to autism and Asperger syndrome, caregiver stress, communication problems, and questions about life purpose.

She begins sessions by listening to what matters most to the person in front of her. Kathryn treats clients as the experts on their own lives and highlights existing strengths. Conversations focus on practical steps to manage mood and reduce overwhelming moments.

Her work often combines client-centered conversations with structured techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing may be used to build skills for handling difficult feelings and making decisions.

Sessions aim to break problems into manageable pieces. Kathryn helps people test small changes, rehearse new ways of coping, and track what helps over time. She offers direct feedback and concrete strategies rather than abstract advice.

People seeking help with seasonal mood shifts, self-harm thoughts, sexuality questions, women's issues, or young adult concerns can bring those topics into sessions. She also supports those feeling isolated or dependent on others to make choices. Kathryn works in English and practices in Wisconsin as an LCSW.

How Kathryn blends therapy approaches for online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people clarify their values and decide which changes they want to try. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to change them. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) adds skills for handling intense emotions and improving communication, which can help with mood swings and relationship stress.

Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the work together. Kathryn will collaborate with each person to pick methods that match their goals, preferences, and life situation. That process may include trying different techniques and tracking how they feel over several sessions.

The practical benefits of online sessions can include fitting therapy into a busy day and reducing travel time. If you plan to work online, confirm the exact session formats offered before booking so you know whether video or another option is available. Online work can allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, easier access during seasonal or mobility challenges, and quicker follow-ups to test new coping skills in daily life.

Areas of expertise

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDependent personalityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexualityWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

Wisconsin

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she address?

She works with adults on stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, bipolar disorder, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include caregiver stress, isolation, and life purpose concerns.

How does she approach someone who feels stuck?

Her style is client-centered and practical. She listens first, then combines that with skill-building from CBT and DBT to test small changes.

How much experience does she have?

She has five years of direct therapy experience and a total of 12 years working in social work roles. That broader background informs her clinical work.

What credential does she hold and where does she practice?

She is an LCSW licensed in Wisconsin and provides services based on that credential within the state.

Do sessions happen in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people from other countries work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided through the service when you complete the intake steps.

What should I do to begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session after reviewing the available options.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.

Kathryn OpferLCSW

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