Kathy Smith, LCSW, LICSW

Kathy Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with 40 years of experience helping people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. She approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Kathy believes people are doing their best with the skills they have and can make meaningful change with support.

Her style is conversational and tailored to what each person needs. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer thinking, not on jargon. She uses methods like acceptance and commitment work, cognitive behavioral tools, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help people move forward.

Kathy has worked in both Minnesota and North Dakota settings over her career, bringing long experience to complex situations such as caregiver strain, chronic illness, and aging and geriatric issues. She aims to meet people where they are and adapt the pace of therapy to each individual.

In sessions she emphasizes collaboration and real-life skills. That might mean trying small experiments between meetings, learning new ways to notice thoughts and feelings, or setting modest goals that fit daily life. Kathy will shape the conversation and plan around what matters most to the person sitting across from her.

Starting therapy is often a hard step and she notes that choosing to reach out already shows courage. Kathy works to create a straightforward path forward so clients can practice new habits and track small but meaningful progress.

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then choose actions that match their values. It is often useful for anxiety, grief, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking patterns and trying new behaviors to change mood and functioning; it is practical for depression and stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an accepting, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens and follows the client's lead to support growth.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. Kathy will work collaboratively to figure out which methods fit a person's goals and daily life. She adapts techniques and the pace of work based on what the client needs and prefers, so the process is shaped together rather than preset.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online work can help fit therapy into a busy week by reducing travel time, easing scheduling around caregiving or appointments, and allowing shorter check-ins when that is useful. It can also make it easier to practice skills between meetings. Discuss format preferences when scheduling so sessions match your routine and needs.