Kathryn Opfer

Practical strategies with empathetic support

LCSW Wisconsin

Experience: 5 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Bipolar
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Kathryn

Kathryn Opfer is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Wisconsin who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar symptoms, and challenges with self-esteem and life transitions.

Background and approach

She draws on five years of clinical experience to offer practical strategies and empathetic support while honoring each person's strengths and story. Kathryn emphasizes clients' expertise in their own lives and works to boost motivation, confidence, and coping skills so individuals can pursue more fulfilling daily routines and relationships.

Her approach blends structured techniques with a collaborative, person-centered stance. Kathryn commonly uses cognitive behavioral ideas alongside mindfulness and dialectical skills to address unhelpful thinking patterns, emotional intensity, and practical problem solving.

She also incorporates motivational interviewing and solution-focused strategies when helping clients set realistic goals and identify small changes that lead to meaningful progress. Kathryn aims to empower people to take the courageous steps needed to change, offering steady guidance and encouragement along the way.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Kathryn commonly uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behavioral habits, which can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and support clearer decision making. She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy skills to teach practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Client-centered principles guide the work throughout, ensuring each person's goals and preferences shape the focus of sessions.

Finding the most helpful approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kathryn collaborates with clients to select and adjust methods based on individual needs, values, and progress. She aims to tailor interventions so they feel relevant and achievable, working together to set goals and try strategies that match a client's pace.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent support from a licensed professional without traveling, and they allow for ongoing check-ins and skill practice between meetings to help maintain momentum toward goals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Kathryn works with stress, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, depression, and coping with life changes, as well as related issues such as isolation, caregiver stress, and seasonal affective disorder.

How would you describe the therapeutic style and approach?

Sessions blend client-centered support with structured techniques like cognitive behavioral methods, dialectical behavior skills, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to tailor work to each person's needs.

What is Kathryn's background and experience?

She holds an LCSW and has five years of professional clinical experience working in direct therapy, plus prior experience in social work roles.

Where is this therapist licensed and located?

She is licensed in Wisconsin as an LCSW with license number WI LCSW 11560-123 and practices with that credential in the state.

Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are provided in English only and Kathryn is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are offered for online work?

Clients can choose video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their preferences and availability.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

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

What are the first steps to begin working together?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Self esteemBipolar disorderDepression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Autism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDependent personalityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexualityWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

Wisconsin

Languages

English