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Kathrina Cauckwell-Rafferty

Kathrina Cauckwell-Rafferty

LCSW

California

Goal-focused LCSW using motivational methods

Continue with Kathrina

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, California / 87327
Experience
10 years
Languages
English
Location
California

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

    • Motivational approach
    • Skills focused
    • Trauma informed

    About Kathrina

    Kathrina Cauckwell-Rafferty is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in California who uses motivational interviewing alongside client-centered and skills-based approaches. She describes her work as practical and focused on what people want to change. Kathrina aims to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can set clear goals and try new ways of coping.

    Over the past 10 years she has focused much of her practice on substance use concerns. That work helped her support people as they learn healthier coping skills, process past trauma, and repair strained relationships. She has also worked in programs serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

    Kathrina supports people dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, anger, low self-esteem, and life transitions. She also helps with relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and blended family challenges, codependency, and workplace stress. She lists adoption and foster care concerns and multicultural issues among her additional areas of focus.

    Her approach emphasizes collaboration and practical steps. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill building, and steady progress rather than quick fixes. She gauges each person’s priorities and tailors strategies to fit those goals.

    Sessions are offered in English and reflect her California licensure as an LCSW. The therapist asks people to use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to her calendar and availability.

  2. How these approaches work in online sessions

    Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that helps people weigh options and find their own reasons to change; it can be useful for substance use, commitment issues, and making healthier choices. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person so they feel heard and understood as they set goals. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for managing strong emotions, improving relationships, and coping with stress.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and comfort level. Together they try strategies, check what helps, and adapt the plan over time so it matches the person's priorities.

    Confirm current session formats before booking since session options were not fully specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy life - it can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a workday, and let people connect from wherever they are. Licensed professionals can combine motivational conversations with skills training and client-centered listening in remote sessions to keep progress moving forward.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    AddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issues

    Also works with

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

    Additional focus areas

    Adoption and foster careBlended family issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessMulticultural concernsWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational Interviewing

    Experience

    10+ years

    Listed in

    California

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of concerns does she address?

    She helps people with addictions, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, low self-esteem, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, and parenting or family-related stress.

    What is her general therapy style?

    Her style is collaborative and goal oriented, using motivational interviewing and client-centered methods to support change and build coping skills.

    What experience does she bring?

    She has 10 years of practice experience, with substantial work in substance use care and programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

    What credentials and location apply?

    She holds a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential (LCSW) and practices in California.

    Which languages are sessions offered in?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can international clients work with her?

    She is not accepting international clients at this time.

    How is cost handled?

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

    How do I start a counseling relationship?

    Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's calendar and 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

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Kathrina Cauckwell-Rafferty Continue with Kathrina