CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

CO Portrait of Cathy O'Brien

Cathy O'Brien

Practical, empathic therapy focused on coping and growth

LMSW Michigan

Experience
6 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Family, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Cathy

About Cathy

Cathy O'Brien is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan who brings six years of direct clinical experience to her work with individuals and families.

Background and approach

She draws on a range of evidence-informed methods, including cognitive behavioral techniques, client-centered principles, emotionally-focused ideas, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, to help people manage stress, anxiety, mood concerns, grief, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Cathy emphasizes building a trusting therapeutic relationship at the start of work so clients feel understood and supported as they explore challenges.

Her practice addresses a broad set of concerns such as depression, bipolar mood issues, obsessive-compulsive patterns, panic and social anxiety, ADHD, eating and impulse-related struggles, and parenting and family problems. She also works with adoption and foster care issues, attachment challenges, autism and Asperger syndrome, disruptive mood dysregulation, and self-harm and self-love topics.

Cathy helps clients develop practical coping and stress-management skills while collaboratively tailoring treatment to each person’s needs and goals. Clients can expect a respectful, empathetic approach that balances goal-focused work with attention to emotions and strengths.

Cathy seeks to make beginning therapy approachable, offering both live and remote session formats and guiding people through the early steps of shared decision making about what will help most.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses structured conversations and practical exercises to help people identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, panic, and obsessive or compulsive tendencies. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathetic listening, validation, and supporting clients to find their own solutions, and it helps when people need a safe space to process feelings and build self-understanding.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to clarify goals, try techniques that match those goals, and adjust the plan as needed so the work fits the person's preferences and life circumstances.

Online therapy with Cathy includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility for scheduling and participation. These formats make it easier to access consistent support from Michigan without traveling, and they allow work to continue with techniques such as behavioral experiments, skill practice, and emotion-focused conversations adapted for remote sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Cathy address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar and mood disorders, trauma and grief, eating and impulse issues, ADHD, parenting and family difficulties, and related concerns such as OCD, panic, and self-harm.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The approach blends client-centered listening with goal-oriented techniques like cognitive behavioral methods, along with mindfulness and motivational interviewing to help clients build skills and process emotions.
What is her professional background?
Cathy has six years of experience working in mental health settings and has supported people across a range of clinical concerns and life circumstances.
Where is Cathy licensed and how can I verify credentials?
She holds an LMSW license in Michigan; the credential is listed as MI LMSW 6801093174.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are provided in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available with her?
She offers multiple remote formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How is pricing handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuseGriefEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Family problemsImpulsivityMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English