- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- ACT and CBT
About Kathy
Kathy Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing with 40 years of professional experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue, and she lists life purpose among her areas of focus.
Kathy uses straightforward conversation to help people sort through what feels overwhelming. She listens for what matters most, then helps people identify small, practical steps to try. Sessions focus on what can change now rather than on distant promises.
Her approach draws on several common psychotherapy methods. Kathy often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. She also uses Client-Centered and Mindfulness practices to slow things down and clarify what’s important.
Kathy frames work around real life demands like caregiving, chronic illness, aging, or midlife transitions. She also helps with family of origin issues, communication problems, codependency, and feelings such as guilt, shame, loneliness, or emptiness. The aim is practical coping and clearer decision-making in daily life.
Sessions begin with what you want to address and then move at a pace that fits your situation. The therapist notes that change is possible and that people often get unstuck by trying different, manageable steps. To start, follow the site’s process to schedule a first session and describe the problem you want to work on.
How her methods translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate action. It focuses on clarifying personal values and committing to small steps that align with those values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior, then tests small changes to reduce anxiety or low mood. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and building understanding so people can decide their next steps.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Kathy will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and daily life. That choice can change over time as needs and priorities shift.
The original biography does not specify which online formats are used, so confirm session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Therapists often adapt ACT and CBT exercises for remote work so practical steps and homework remain useful between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
North Dakota, Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue, and also addresses issues like life purpose, midlife crisis, caregiver stress, and isolation.
How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses practical conversation and evidence-based methods to identify values and small steps. Sessions focus on actions you can try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Kathy has 40 years of professional work experience in social work and mental health settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LCSW and LICSW credentials and practices in North Dakota with licensure also in Minnesota noted in her background.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options through the booking flow before scheduling.
How does payment and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.