Kathy Smith , LCSW, LICSW

Kathy Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with four decades of experience. She offers calm, straightforward support for stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and life transitions. Kathy works with people who feel worn down by caregiving, compassion fatigue, or ongoing health challenges. She treats concerns related to aging, chronic illness, and mood changes with steady attention and practical care.

Kathy keeps her approach simple and collaborative. She listens first, then helps people set small, achievable goals. Sessions focus on what is happening now and what steps feel doable. The work is grounded in real-life skills rather than theory-heavy lectures.

Her methods draw from several evidence-informed approaches such as acceptance and commitment strategies, client-centered listening, and cognitive behavioral ideas. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are also used to help people notice patterns and find motivation for change. Kathy adapts techniques to fit a person’s pace and energy level.

People can expect a respectful, nonjudgmental space to talk through pain, loss, and difficult decisions. Kathy emphasizes compassion and the belief that most people are doing their best with the tools they have. She helps clients explore options and practice new behaviors between sessions.

If taking the first step feels hard, Kathy affirms that courage is part of beginning. She works with each person to tailor the conversation and plan to their specific needs and life situation.

Practical approaches for online care and coping

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice painful thoughts without getting stuck in them. It focuses on identifying values and taking small steps toward what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down unhelpful thoughts and habits into specific patterns and teaches concrete skills to change them. These skills can reduce anxiety and lift mood through practice and repetition. Client-centered therapy prioritizes listening and empathy, giving people space to shape the work at their own pace and feel heard.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques, and adjust plans based on a client’s goals and preferences. That teamwork helps identify which methods feel most helpful for each person.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video lets people work more directly with visual cues, while phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or texting can suit quick check-ins or someone who prefers writing their thoughts. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work breaks, caregiving schedules, or days with limited travel time.