Cathy O'Brien

LMSW

Michigan

Supportive LMSW helping people act on change

Continue with Cathy

At a glance

Credentials

LMSW

License

LMSW, Michigan / 6801093174

NPI

1639592355

Experience

6 years

Languages

English

Location

Michigan

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

1. • Motivational focus
   • Practical coping tools
   • Empathic listening

   About Cathy

   Cathy O'Brien is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan. She brings six years of direct clinical experience and a long history of work in mental health settings. Cathy aims to make first conversations feel calmer and more straightforward for people who are worried or unsure about therapy.

   She focuses on building trust at the start so clients feel safer speaking honestly. Cathy uses a mix of approaches guided by each person's needs, including Motivational Interviewing, client-centered work, cognitive behavioral strategies, emotionally-focused ideas, and mindfulness tools. Sessions often include practical steps for coping and problem solving.

   Cathy has worked with a wide range of concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, eating issues, ADHD, mood disorders, and parenting challenges. She has experience supporting people dealing with obsessive thoughts, panic, self-harm, and attachment questions, among other issues. Her background also includes work related to adoption and foster care and neurodiversity concerns like autism and Asperger syndrome.

   In sessions she listens for what motivates each person and helps them set small, achievable goals. Conversations are straightforward and paced to match what the client is ready for. Cathy combines skills-based techniques with empathetic listening to help clients build better coping habits.

   If someone wants to begin, Cathy asks them to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule based on availability. She works in Michigan and provides services in English.

2. How Cathy’s Methods Translate to Online Work

   Cathy uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons to change and set realistic goals. This approach is helpful when someone feels stuck or unsure how to start making different choices. She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes active listening and meeting each person where they are. That helps clients feel heard and in charge of the direction of their work together.
   
   She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools to identify patterns of thought and behavior and to practice new responses. CBT techniques often involve short exercises and homework that can be done between sessions to build skills and measure progress. Cathy approaches the choice of method as a collaboration and will help figure out what fits best for a client’s needs, goals, and comfort level.
   
   If you are considering online work, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not listed in the profile. Online scheduling can make it easier to fit sessions around school, work, or caregiving - for example, shorter check-ins can fit a lunch break and can reduce travel time. The therapist will discuss the practical arrangements and adapt sessions so therapy fits your day-to-day life.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression

   Also works with

   Trauma and abuseGriefEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD

   Additional focus areas

   Adoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Family problemsImpulsivityMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaYoung adult issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   6+ years

   Listed in

   Michigan

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What concerns does Cathy address in therapy?

   She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, eating and parenting worries, ADHD, and a range of mood and behavior concerns listed in her profile.

   How would you describe her therapeutic style?

   Cathy combines motivational interviewing with client-centered listening and skills from cognitive behavioral and mindfulness approaches. She focuses on small goals and practical coping steps chosen with the client.

   What is her background and experience?

   Cathy has six years of clinical experience and earlier roles across mental health settings. Her work history includes supporting people affected by trauma, grief, and a variety of mood and behavioral challenges.

   What credentials does she hold and where does she practice?

   She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and she practices in Michigan.

   Which languages are supported in her sessions?

   Sessions are offered in English.

   Can international clients work with her?

   She does not accept international clients at this time.

   How does billing and cost work for sessions?

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

   What are the steps to begin working with her?

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

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

Back to all therapists