Cathy Smith

(MA, LLP, LPC)
Therapist Cathy Smith Photo

About Me

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.

Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Relationship issues
  • Family conflicts
  • Trauma and abuse
  • Depression
Also experienced in:
Addictions , LGBT , Grief , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Abandonment , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 15

Services Offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Languages

English

Spanish

Licensing

LPC #6401010540 (Expires: 2024-05-31)

Reviews

Written by E.D. on Dec 21, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Cathy is very friendly, capable and understanding and makes me feel very comfortable both in our sessions and through messaging and diary entries. I feel confident that Cathy will be able to help me and I also appreciate Cathy's upbeat energy - it always makes me feel more positive!

Written by E.V. 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 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 by P.A. on Nov 02, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and adhd

Cathy is an experienced and supportive therapist. Greatly appreciate her approach, attention and flexibility.

Written by M.I. 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

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 by M.A. on Oct 29, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, self esteem, and career difficulties

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 by A.L. 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 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 by J.E. 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 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 by M.A. 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

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 by N.I. 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

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 by K.E. 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

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 by L.O. on Aug 26, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and anger management

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 by M.A. 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 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 by C.A. 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

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 by G.R. on Jul 27, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes

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 by V.A. 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

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 by A.N. on May 17, 2021 after therapy with Cathy for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and career difficulties

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 by J.A. 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

She’s very experienced. We had one session only so far but I will get a good help for better life.