- Empathy first
- Skill building
- Adoption and foster care
About Cathy
Cathy O'Brien is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in Michigan. She has spent six years providing mental health support across different settings and focuses on creating a calm, respectful space for people to talk through their concerns.
Cathy works with people who are managing stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma. She also helps with parenting strain, grief, self-esteem, career worries, and challenges related to adoption and foster care. Her background includes experience supporting people with obsessive-compulsive behaviors, panic, and self-harm concerns.
She begins by building a trusting relationship so conversations feel safer and easier. Cathy uses a mix of practical approaches that match each person’s needs. She emphasizes skills for stress management and coping with change so people can handle everyday demands more steadily.
Her style is straightforward and empathetic. Sessions focus on what matters now and on small, practical steps that can make daily life feel more manageable. Cathy invites clients to set goals together and to adjust the plan as they go.
If someone prefers working with an LMSW who combines empathy with clear, hands-on tools, Cathy offers that balance. The goal is steady progress through honest conversation and doable techniques.
How Cathy’s approaches translate to online therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes to ease anxiety, mood problems, and panic symptoms. It focuses on clear steps and homework that people can practice between sessions.Client-Centered Therapy is built around listening and acceptance. The therapist follows the client’s pace and priorities, helping them feel heard while they work toward their goals.
Finding the right approach is a shared process. Cathy will discuss goals and preferences and then try methods that match the person’s needs. She adjusts plans as progress is made so therapy stays useful and relevant.
Please confirm current session formats before booking, as specific options are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. The focus remains on practical techniques and steady steps that fit everyday life rather than on complex procedures.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns can Cathy help with?
Cathy supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting strain, self-esteem issues, ADHD, bipolar and a range of mood and impulse concerns.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm and practical. She focuses on building trust, then uses straightforward tools to help with coping and problem solving.
What is her professional background?
She holds an LMSW and has six years of experience working in mental health across clinical and school settings.
Where is Cathy located and licensed?
She practices in Michigan and holds the LMSW credential noted in her profile.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to start sessions?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.