Cathy Nau , LMHC

Cathy Nau is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and major life changes. She uses clear, steady support to help people take practical first steps toward their goals. Cathy draws on almost three decades of experience to offer calm guidance during hard moments.

She focuses on real problems like depression, ADHD, trauma and abuse, and compassion fatigue. Cathy also supports people dealing with career pressures, bereavement, and worries about aging or body image. Her work has included helping first responders, veterans, and caregivers manage intense stress.

Her approach is warm and respectful. She listens first, then helps set small, doable goals. Sessions mix talk, skills practice, and simple tools people can use between meetings.

Cathy often uses methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. She also draws on client-centered and emotionally-focused ideas to strengthen how people relate to themselves and others.

Her practice includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging for flexible care. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability. Cathy’s style is steady, practical, and focused on the next manageable step.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose meaningful actions. It supports work on values, coping with anxiety, and navigating life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior and practicing different responses. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and skills for managing daily stress. Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so people feel heard while they work toward goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss your needs and try different methods when useful. Clients and the therapist decide together which strategies fit best given current problems, goals, and preferences.

Online sessions offer flexibility and a range of formats. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and use of worksheets or guided exercises. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging let people send short updates, get brief coaching between sessions, or maintain steady contact when schedules are tight. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or travel routines.