Having graduated with undergrad degrees in Sociology (Criminology) and Spanish, I began working in a residential treatment home for youth with emotional and mental illnesses. My early work there, sparked my interest in psychology and counseling. After starting our family, I returned to school to earn a teaching certificate and a Masters degree in Special Education. After many years of teaching in a variety of settings; institutional, public, private and alternative education, I felt I really wanted more time to listen to and talk with my students. Because of this, I returned to the university once more to complete a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, earning licensure as a Limited License Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Relationship is the key to effective counseling just as it is to effective teaching. Being open to learning about the life of your client; their ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual preference, work, and belief systems is important as a therapist. Knowing your own limitations is also necessary. Life is very difficult at times, especially in these times! Helping clients to live their best lives is very important work.
I use a variety of methods in working with clients. My clients’ ages have ranged from four years to seventy nine years. I work with people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, trauma, sexual and physical abuse, parenting problems, and even learning disabilities and people on the autism spectrum. Motivational interviewing, client centered work, solution focused, psychoeducational work, mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are tools that I use, based on what the client wants to achieve and their individual needs. Permeating all that I do is a strength based approach to looking at the person, always building on and utilizing their own strengths to partner with them to become healthy and happier.
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Domestic violence, Emptiness, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Sexual assault and abuse, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Cathy Smith. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Cathy makes sure she can relate to you. She listens amazingly and is very kind and patient. I adore her.
Written on May 03, 2025 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Cathy is a great listener and can offer up many good ideas to help different situations.
Written on Apr 08, 2025 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd
Cathy is excellent and has been of great help to me. Highly recommended.
Written on Jan 01, 2025 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Cathy is one of the most caring and best prepared therapists I’ve met. She always has a good option to help me feel better. She listens and in general she is so gifted as a therapist. I would recommend her over any other options here. Thank you Cathy!!
Written on Dec 28, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I love my sessions with Cathy, she has worked with me and supported me for over a year and a half. I have seen several therapists over my adult life and she has by far, helped me have the most positive impact on my life. She's always there, she always checks in with me during the week, whether it's checking in on an issue I have been working through, or just to remind me how far I have come and that's she's proud of me. I highly recommend her.
Written on Nov 29, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, coaching, and adhd
Cathy is very friendly and always shows her utmost respect during our sessions.
Written on Nov 18, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She's great
Written on Nov 06, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and self esteem
She’s extremely compassionate and always tries to help me meet the goals I’ve set
Written on Sep 16, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 2 years and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Cathy is great! She is a great listener and always makes sure that I bring happiness to myself. Thank you Cathy!
Written on Aug 13, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Cathy, me gusta mucho que fuera de las terapias siempre estaba para mis preguntas , responde con rapidez.
Written on Jun 03, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Cathy is an absolute delight! Taking the leap to start therapy was difficult for me and I was incredibly nervous with all that was going on in my life, but Cathy has been so supportive, understanding, and empathetic that I wish I would have started sooner. She makes me feel comfortable and welcome with no judgement during every session. Cathy brings with her not only a unique outlook, but curiosity, kindness, and wisdom. Even working with her for just a few weeks, I feel confident in her experience and ability to help me reach my goals.
Written on Jan 24, 2024 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Cathy’s way to listen create a strong sense of understanding and safety. Her questions are very insightful that brings me to see a higher perspectives to my challenges.
Written on Dec 02, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
Cathy was my first therapist and helped me heal through one of the toughest times in my life. She helped teach me good coping skills and how to handle my emotions better. She helped me learn how to feel my emotions rather than pushing them down, and how to cope with hard life changes. I’m so grateful for all of her help over our time spent together!
Written on Sep 25, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
So easy to talk to. Very flexible and accommodating Genuinely cares and wants to see you succeed
Written on Sep 13, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Cathy is the best!
Written on Jun 28, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Great!
Written on May 25, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Cathy is AMAZING! She is there whenever I need her! She never forgets about me and is constantly reaching out letting me know she is there for me. I really appreciate her advice and kind words. Any time I start going off the rails, she is there to guide me back on track. I love her!
Written on May 17, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Cathy has been so helpful during such a tricky time in my life! She challenges me and always refocuses my priorities to making sure I’m working on myself when I have a habit of using therapy time to discuss how others may be feeling. Being apart of the LGBTQIA+ community, Cathy has always been so supportive and open minded. I appreciate her getting me to a place where I no longer need regular weekly sessions.
Written on May 05, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and coaching
Cathy is very knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
Written on Feb 19, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Cathy is a great listener who has good takes on topics like family, relationships and boundaries! Great to talk to her!
Written on Jan 23, 2023 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
I just started therapy with Cathy, but so far she is very attentive, gives great advice, and is very sweet and caring. It’s apparent her main objective is to help people and try to make them feel better
Written on Dec 05, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
One word, awesome!
Written on Nov 14, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
As someone working in the helping professions, I was skeptical about finding the right person to support me in my healing journey. I am so grateful that the person I was matched with, Cathy, is not only an expert in the field but comes with an authentic and humbled approach to creating a therapeutic alliance that gives me the tools and confidence to overcome my challenges and achieve my goals. I have already recommended Cathy to someone close to me and anybody would greatly benefit from having her in your corner!
Written on Nov 08, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder
Love cathy she is awesome
Written on Sep 08, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
Thank you, Better Help, for matching me with Cathy Smith! After only a few meetings, I felt like she knew me. I look forward to my sessions with her because I know I will sign off with a greater understanding of myself. Cathy understands my issues and has given me helpful tools for dealing with problems large and small. I feel like I have made more progress in four months with Cathy than I have in years of in-person therapy!
Written on Aug 18, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, coping with life changes, and intimacy-related issues
She is great. Good Spanish and gives great advices
Written on Jul 18, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
She's a nice person to talk to. We're in completely opposite timezones but her expertise and insight made making the odd hours sessions worthwhile. The dramatic age difference and relatively similar background experiences made it easy for me to let my guard down and really get to the bottom of any triggering issues. A slight complaint might be the internet connection's not that stable from her current location. However, her regular check-ins outside dedicated sessions made up for it.
Written on Apr 26, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Cathy has been a wonderful therapist that helped me through a tough time. When I look back on the person I was when I started speaking to Cathy versus the person I am now, I am so grateful for all the confidence boosting that Cathy gave.
Written on Apr 21, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Cathy is kind, helpful and funny. I can't recommend her enough.
Written on Feb 11, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and adhd
Very kind and patient. Taught a lot of different practices which have changed my life and how I view it. A wonderful therapist
Written on Feb 07, 2022 after therapy with Cathy for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and compassion fatigue
Cathy is the best therapist I have EVER worked with. I’ve had different therapists over the years. Only 4 sessions in and I’ve already touched on deep things. It’s fantastic.
Written on Nov 09, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Cathy is an experienced and supportive therapist. Greatly appreciate her approach, attention and flexibility.
Written on Nov 02, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and adhd
Cathy listens patiently and has a very good understanding of what I tell her
She's very nice and easy to talk to and has good advice
Written on Oct 30, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She's the best therapist you can have. You'll feel so safe and confident when you talk to her. She has so much experience so she knows exactly what she has to say. Talking to her is always healing. Thanks Cathy
Written on Oct 29, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Cathy is fantastic! She listens to me and really helps me feel heard. She connects with me and has helped improve my sense of self worth a lot.
Written on Oct 07, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Cathy has been fantastic so far on my counselling journey. She listens attentively, stops me to ask productive questions and encourage conversation, and explains tools and tricks to cope with struggles. She responds quickly, compassionately, and I never feel like a clock is ticking or I'm being timed. I enjoy our sessions and look forward to continuing.
Written on Sep 27, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and coping with life changes
Cathy is very sweet and patient with listening and guiding the topic of our conversations during our sessions. I also appreciate her for messaging me throughout the week between our appointments to check in on me.
Written on Sep 02, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
I’ve had really good interaction with Cathy. She’s patiently listened to me & what my issues are, and how I can change me. Very positive, fun, it’s like talking to a friend who can guide you . Not just agree.
Written on Aug 30, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Cathy is amazing. Kind and understanding. I feel like she knows exactly what I’m talking about and exactly what I need to become a better and healthier me.
Written on Aug 27, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
With only two sessions with Cathy, my self-confidence returned, I am happy to have had someone to talk with, about my problems and insecurities. From now on, the decisions I make will be based on her recommendations.
Thank you
Written on Aug 26, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and anger management
Cathy is a great and attentive counselor, she has a variety of experience that is helpful in many ways. I always leave our sessions feeling better and more hopeful than before.
Written on Aug 22, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Cathy has been a great counselor, she’s kind, thoughtful and very easy to talk to. I’ve looked forward to talking to her and she makes me feel very comfortable and I feel like I can talk to her about anything. She’s got great insight and recommendations too!
Written on Aug 17, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I've worked with many therapists over the years and always left my sessions feeling worse or depleted. I used to dread my therapy sessions. Working with Cathy has been the exact opposite. She's so engaged the entire time we chat and makes me feel heard and cared for. I love that she has so much life experience and a wise perspective because then things feel less heavy. I would recommend Cathy to anyone who is stuck in their own head.
Written on Jul 27, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I feel grateful to have such an experienced therapist, it feels very easy to talk with her and she is really a great listener. It's also comforting just knowing she is a message away. I've only recently started meeting with her and I already feel like I am growing and making progress.
Written on Jun 19, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Cathy is very kind, intelligent and understanding. She has such a warm and welcoming personality, making it easy to open up and share with her. She has time and again recommended helpful ways for me to handle my personal hurdles and seems to really care about my well being and happiness.
Written on May 17, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
She’s very experienced. We had one session only so far but I will get a good help for better life.
Written on May 16, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
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