Kathleen Cates-Richardson

Healing-focused therapist using practical strategies

LMFT Iowa

Experience: 16 years in practice
Focus areas: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Kathleen

Kathleen Cates-Richardson is a licensed marriage and family therapist who draws on 16 years of clinical experience to help people navigate depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship challenges, trauma, and intimacy concerns.

Background and approach

She blends practical, evidence-informed tools with an empathic, client-centered stance, aiming to create a space where clients can explore difficult thoughts and emotions without judgment. Kathleen emphasizes collaboration and incremental change as clients work toward greater functioning and emotional wellbeing.

Her approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside other modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused techniques, existential perspectives, and client-centered practices. These methods support work on sleep problems, grief, communication difficulties, and patterns linked to abandonment, attachment, and control issues.

Kathleen holds an LMFT credential and is licensed in both Iowa and Arizona, bringing a broad background in addressing concerns from domestic violence and divorce to substance use and caregiver stress. Available in English and open to international clients, she meets people where they are and partners with them to identify goals and practical steps forward.

Kathleen frames therapy as a courageous decision and offers steady support for those ready to pursue change and healing.

Integrating proven approaches in online therapy

Kathleen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills for managing mood, anxiety, sleep, and addictive behaviors. She also draws from Client-Centered Therapy, prioritizing empathic listening and a nonjudgmental stance to help people feel understood and supported while they explore personal goals. In addition, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informs work on emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful for relationship difficulties and intense emotional reactions.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process; Kathleen collaborates with each client to assess needs, preferences, and goals and then tailors techniques accordingly. This collaborative stance means clients help shape which methods are emphasized and how progress is measured over time.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options can make it simpler to maintain consistency in care while balancing work, family, or geographic constraints, and they allow the therapist and client to focus on applying skills and addressing concerns in real life contexts.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

She works with a range of issues including addictions, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, depression, and sleeping difficulties, along with related topics such as abandonment, caregiving stress, and communication problems.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is collaborative and client-centered, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with DBT, Emotionally-Focused, and existential approaches to match each person's needs and goals.

What is her professional background and experience?

She has 16 years of professional experience supporting people through grief, addictions, depression, and relationship difficulties.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She holds an LMFT credential and is licensed in Iowa and Arizona with license numbers AZ LMFT LMFT-16264 and IA LMFT 000370.

Does she provide services in languages other than English or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she does accept international clients.

What session formats are available for appointments?

She offers a variety of online formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences.

How are fees structured for sessions?

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

What are the first steps to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression

Also works with

Sleeping disorders

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

16+ years

Licensed

Iowa, Arizona

Languages

English