Cathy O'Brien , LMSW

Cathy O'Brien is a licensed mental health professional who holds an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker - and brings a measured, compassionate approach to therapy. She earned her LMSW from Michigan State University in 2011 and has six years of professional experience working in mental health settings with children, families, and adults. Cathy has supported people facing depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, ADHD, relationship concerns, and self-esteem struggles, and she has specific experience addressing trauma, abuse, and grief.

Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cathy helps clients process difficult experiences and build practical stress-management skills to better navigate life’s challenges. Her practice blends evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies to meet each person’s unique needs. She has provided care both in person in school and clinic settings and through virtual sessions, adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining a focus on respectful, empathetic treatment.

Cathy prioritizes establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship so clients feel more comfortable sharing and taking steps toward change. She approaches each person with sensitivity and respect, collaborating to identify goals and develop coping tools tailored to the individual, family, or child she is working with.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Cathy draws from client-centered therapy to create a collaborative, respectful environment where the client’s perspective guides the work. This approach emphasizes empathy and active listening, and it is helpful for clients seeking a supportive space to explore personal goals, relationships, and self-esteem concerns.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical skills to change them. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, OCD, and stress management, offering structured tools to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Cathy works together with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process helps shape treatment plans that feel realistic and relevant to the person’s life.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without the need to travel, and they allow therapy to fit into busy family, school, or work routines.