Kathy Smith

Hopeful, practical guidance for life transitions

LCSW, LICSW North Dakota

Experience: 40 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Depression
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Kathy

Kathy Smith brings 40 years of clinical experience to work with people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

She draws on a range of approaches including cognitive behavioral tools, acceptance and commitment ideas, and client-centered attention to help people cope and build practical skills. Kathy emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while tailoring conversations and care to each person’s circumstances.

She views clients as doing the best they can with their current resources and believes change is possible when support is matched to individual needs. Her practice also addresses concerns related to aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, codependency, family-of-origin wounds, communication problems, and struggles with life purpose or midlife challenges.

Kathy works from a collaborative stance to create a treatment plan that fits a person’s goals and situation, and she acknowledges the courage it takes to begin therapy.

Approaches that guide online work and how they help

Kathy blends cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance and commitment ideas and a client-centered stance to help people navigate emotional pain and life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distress and teaching practical strategies to shift those patterns, often useful for anxiety, mood concerns, and stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes clarifying values, practicing acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings, and taking committed action toward meaningful goals, which can help with grief, chronic illness, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy foregrounds empathy and respect, creating space for each person to explore experiences and make choices that feel authentic.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Kathy works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds and new needs emerge.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options allow people to connect from home or other convenient locations and choose formats that match comfort level and scheduling needs, while maintaining the same therapeutic aims of skill building, emotional processing, and practical problem solving.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kathy commonly help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes, along with related issues such as caregiver stress, chronic illness, codependency, and family problems.

What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?

Expect a collaborative, respectful, and compassionate approach that adapts to individual needs and emphasizes practical skills and personal values.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 40 years of professional work experience supporting people through a wide range of emotional and life challenges.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

She holds LCSW and LICSW credentials with license details ND LCSW 732 and MN LICSW 11178, and is based in North Dakota.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are conducted in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats does she offer?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How is cost handled for therapy with this practitioner?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working with her?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Grief Depression Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shame Isolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacksSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

40+ years

Licensed

North Dakota, Minnesota

Languages

English