Cathy Smith, LPC

Cathy Smith is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) who uses a relationship-focused approach to counseling. She centers conversations on each person's background, culture, beliefs, and goals. Cathy emphasizes listening first, then helping people set realistic steps to feel better and move forward.

She began her career after undergraduate degrees in Sociology with a criminology focus and Spanish, then worked in a residential treatment home for youth. That early work led her into teaching, followed by a return to school for a master’s in Special Education and later a master’s in Counseling Psychology. These experiences shape how she blends practical strategies with thoughtful listening.

Her work spans many concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, ADHD, and coping with life changes. She also addresses more specific challenges such as caregiver stress, body image, codependency, and first responder issues. Cathy describes a strength-based stance, building on what each person already brings to change.

In sessions she draws from client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral tools, mindfulness practices, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused steps. The mix depends on what the person wants to achieve and their needs. Cathy has experience supporting people across a wide age range, and she offers services in both English and Spanish.

Located in Michigan, Cathy’s background in education and residential care informs a practical, steady style. She aims to help people clarify goals, learn coping skills, and make gradual, sustainable changes.

Approaches that shape online work

Cathy often uses client-centered work and cognitive behavioral therapy in sessions. Client-centered work focuses on listening and understanding the person’s experience so goals can grow from what matters most to them. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches practical tools to manage anxiety, depression, and stress.

She also brings mindfulness practices into counseling to help people notice thoughts and feelings without getting swept up by them. Mindfulness can be useful for sleep issues, stress, and coping with intense emotions. Cathy treats selecting an approach as a team effort - she will discuss options and help decide which methods fit the person’s goals and preferences.

The original biography does not list which online session formats are available, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Many people find it simpler to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, or school commitments when therapy is offered remotely. Licensed professionals can adapt tools from CBT, client-centered work, and mindfulness to an online setting while helping people set realistic steps and practice skills between sessions.