Kathy Smith

Kathy Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in North Dakota with 40 years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, grief and loss, depression, and major life changes. Kathy also lists compassion fatigue and life purpose among the concerns she supports.

She speaks plainly in sessions and focuses on practical conversation. Kathy uses a mix of approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, and client-centered listening. Sessions tend to emphasize clear goals and small, doable steps rather than abstract theory.

Kathy pays attention to family of origin issues, caregiver stress, and the emotional effects of chronic illness or aging. She also helps people who feel empty, isolated, or stuck during midlife transitions. Topics like guilt, shame, jealousy, and problems with communication come up in her work.

Her method often blends mindfulness practices with motivational interviewing to help people notice what matters to them and try new behaviors. She aims to make the work concrete - for example, setting a short behavioral experiment or a simple communication practice to try between sessions.

People who want to explore life purpose or cope with loss should find a pragmatic approach here. Kathy invites straightforward conversation about what is getting in the way now, and what small steps might shift daily experience.

Approaches you can try online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then pick actions that match personal values. It can be useful for anxiety, low mood, and questions about meaning. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on practical changes in thinking and behavior. It breaks problems into manageable steps and is often used for stress, depression, and anxiety. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an open, nonjudgmental conversation where the therapist reflects what the person says to help clarify priorities and options.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kathy will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they will try methods that fit the person’s daily life and adjust as needed based on what feels helpful.

The therapist's profile does not specify which online session types are offered, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work and caregiving by avoiding travel and reducing time commitments. They can also allow shorter check-ins when that suits a busy day, or simpler interactions when camera use is difficult. Licensed professionals often use these practical benefits to help therapy fit into everyday life without asking for major schedule changes.