Cathy Smith

Compassionate CBT-informed counselor for practical growth

LPC Michigan

Experience: 18 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English, Spanish

About Cathy

Cathy Smith is an LPC with 18 years of clinical experience who draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside several complementary approaches to help clients address daily challenges and deeper patterns.

Background and approach

She trained first in sociology, criminology, and Spanish, then moved into residential work with youth living with emotional and mental health concerns. That early experience, followed by years in special education settings, shaped a practice focused on listening closely and building a strong therapeutic relationship.

Her path continued through a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and licensure as an LPC in Michigan. Cathy uses a blend of client-centered work, mindfulness, solution-focused techniques, psychodynamic ideas, and CBT tailored to what each person seeks to achieve.

She emphasizes a strength-based stance, helping people identify and use their existing resources while addressing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, self-esteem, ADHD, parenting challenges, and career transitions. Fluent in English and Spanish, she has worked with a wide age range and with diverse life experiences.

Cathy values cultural, religious, and identity contexts when collaborating with clients and frames therapy as a partnership aimed at practical growth and improved well-being.

Blending Approaches for Online Support

Clients can expect work grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, and Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship that supports clients in exploring their own goals and values. Cathy also incorporates Mindfulness Therapy to help people develop present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity in the face of stress and strong emotions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and practical concerns with each client and adapt techniques from CBT, client-centered methods, or mindfulness practice based on what feels most helpful. This shared decision making allows therapy to be tailored to individual needs rather than following a rigid protocol.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for varying schedules and comfort levels. Those options make it possible to maintain continuity of care while fitting sessions into work, family, or geographic constraints, and they allow licensed professionals to use behavioral exercises, guided mindfulness, and solution-focused planning in formats that suit the client.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?

Cathy works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, self-esteem, ADHD, parenting, career changes, and related challenges.

What is her general therapeutic style?

She blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered, mindfulness, solution-focused, and psychodynamic ideas to create a collaborative, strength-based approach tailored to client goals.

How long has she practiced counseling?

She has 18 years of experience working in residential settings, special education, and clinical counseling roles.

What credentials and location does she hold?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Michigan with licence number MI LPC 6401010540.

Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?

Yes, she offers services in both English and Spanish and also accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different preferences and needs.

How are fees and payments handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to start therapy?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDomestic violenceEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame Isolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English, Spanish