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Kathy Smith

Kathy Smith

LCSW, LICSW

North Dakota

Compassionate, practical help for life changes

Continue with Kathy

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW, LICSW
License
LCSW, North Dakota / 732; LICSW, Minnesota / 11178
Experience
40 years
Languages
English
Location
North Dakota

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

    • Motivational support
    • Practical tools
    • Respectful listening

    About Kathy

    Kathy Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with 40 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. She approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Kathy believes most people are doing the best they can with the skills they have, and she supports them in building new strategies for change.

    She focuses on practical conversations tailored to each person’s situation. Sessions are collaborative and paced to match what the client needs. Kathy draws on tools from Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change and from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and take meaningful action.

    Kathy also uses Client-Centered Therapy techniques to offer a listening, nonjudgmental space. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy inform short exercises and thought-work when helpful. She adapts the mix of approaches to address issues like caregiver stress, chronic illness, codependency, loneliness, and life-purpose concerns.

    Her approach aims to make steps feel doable rather than overwhelming. Kathy will work with clients to set small goals and notice progress along the way. She emphasizes clear communication and practical problem solving for everyday challenges.

    After an initial match, Kathy tailors the ongoing plan to the person’s needs and goals. She encourages people to recognize small gains and to keep adjusting the plan as life changes.

  2. How Kathy’s approaches work in online sessions

    Many of the methods Kathy uses translate well to an online setting. Motivational Interviewing focuses on gentle, strength-based conversations that help people discover their own reasons for change and build commitment to next steps. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, emphasizes identifying personal values and taking small actions that align with those values while accepting difficult thoughts or feelings. Client-Centered Therapy centers on being heard and understood, which can make clients feel supported even when meeting remotely.

    Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Kathy will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. She adapts techniques and paces sessions so the approach fits the person rather than forcing a single method.

    Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and let people meet with a licensed professional from a familiar location. Some formats may be shorter or require less bandwidth, which can help when time is limited or a quick check-in is needed. Confirm available session types during scheduling so they match your needs and routine.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

    Additional focus areas

    Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic 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

    Listed in

    North Dakota, Minnesota

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of problems does Kathy focus on?

    She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue, plus related concerns like caregiver stress, chronic illness, loneliness, and codependency.

    What is her therapeutic style like?

    Her style is respectful and nonjudgmental. She uses collaborative conversations and practical exercises to help clients move toward meaningful changes.

    How much experience does she have?

    She brings 40 years of professional experience working with people on emotional and life-transition issues.

    What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

    She holds LCSW and LICSW credentials and is licensed in North Dakota and Minnesota, with practice ties to North Dakota.

    Which languages are used in sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English only.

    Can people from other countries work with her?

    She does not accept international clients at this time.

    How does cost and billing work?

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

    What steps are needed to start therapy?

    Use 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

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Kathy Smith Continue with Kathy