Cathy Smith, LPC
Licensed counselor with school and clinical experience
- Client-centered therapy
- Mindfulness and CBT
- Across the lifespan
About Cathy Smith
Cathy Smith began her professional journey with undergraduate degrees in Sociology with a focus on Criminology and in Spanish, work that led her to a residential treatment home for youth with emotional and mental health needs. That early clinical experience sparked a sustained interest in psychology and counseling, and after starting a family she returned to school to earn a teaching certificate and a Master of Science in Special Education. Following many years of teaching across institutional, public, private, and alternative settings, she pursued further graduate training and completed a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, earning licensure as a Limited License Psychologist and as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Cathy approaches therapy with the same emphasis on relationship that guided her classroom work, placing high value on learning about each client - their ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, work, and belief systems - while also recognizing professional limits. She frames counseling as collaborative work, helping clients navigate difficult life moments and supporting their efforts to live fuller, more satisfying lives.
Her clinical experience spans a wide age range, working with clients from four years old through their late seventies on concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, trauma including sexual and physical abuse, parenting challenges, learning disabilities, and autism spectrum differences. Therapeutic tools she employs include motivational interviewing, client-centered techniques, solution-focused strategies, psychoeducational work, mindfulness practices, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A strengths-based orientation underlies her practice, building on each person’s existing resources to partner with them toward greater well-being and resilience.
Cathy approaches therapy with the same emphasis on relationship that guided her classroom work, placing high value on learning about each client - their ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, work, and belief systems - while also recognizing professional limits. She frames counseling as collaborative work, helping clients navigate difficult life moments and supporting their efforts to live fuller, more satisfying lives.
Her clinical experience spans a wide age range, working with clients from four years old through their late seventies on concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, trauma including sexual and physical abuse, parenting challenges, learning disabilities, and autism spectrum differences. Therapeutic tools she employs include motivational interviewing, client-centered techniques, solution-focused strategies, psychoeducational work, mindfulness practices, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A strengths-based orientation underlies her practice, building on each person’s existing resources to partner with them toward greater well-being and resilience.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDomestic violenceEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Cathy Smith have?
Cathy Smith has 18 years of experience.
Is Cathy Smith a licensed therapist?
Yes. Cathy Smith holds the LPC credential (Licensed Professional Counselor). License: MI LPC 6401010540.
In which languages does Cathy Smith provide therapy?
Cathy Smith provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Cathy Smith located?
Cathy Smith is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Cathy Smith as my therapist?
Clients can work with Cathy Smith through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Cathy Smith work with international clients?
Yes, Cathy Smith works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Cathy Smith cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Online Therapy Be a Good Fit?
Online therapy can be a practical option for people facing common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions. For many of these issues, research and practice indicate that remote sessions are comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person care for most clients.One major advantage of remote care is flexibility. Clients can connect with licensed professionals in the format that fits their lifestyle and comfort level - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging - which often makes it simpler to maintain regular contact and integrate therapeutic work into daily life.
Licensed professionals offer a range of therapeutic approaches, and clients may switch therapists if they seek a different fit. For those weighing options, online therapy presents an accessible and adaptable way to pursue support with clinicians who are trained to work across a variety of common concerns.