Profile / United States
Kathy Smith, LCSW, LICSW
North Dakota
LCSW LICSW - Stress and Mood Concerns
See online therapy options- CBT and ACT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Goal focused work
About Kathy
Kathy Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 40 years of professional experience in Minnesota and North Dakota. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. Kathy focuses on practical ways to handle day-to-day problems and strong emotions.
Her approach centers on clear, respectful conversation. She listens to what is happening now and what has helped or not helped before. Sessions emphasize identifying unhelpful thoughts and habits, and then trying small, concrete changes that fit a person's life.
Kathy draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered methods. She also uses mindfulness and motivational interviewing tools to support the steps people choose to try. These methods show up as short exercises, thought records, and goal-focused conversations during sessions.
She has worked in a range of care settings over four decades and brings that practical experience to sessions. Kathy aims to keep plans straightforward so people can test changes between meetings. She encourages routine review of what is or isn't working and adjusts plans as needed.
The therapist asks new clients to complete a brief matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session. Sessions and fees vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Many of the methods Kathy uses adapt well to remote work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing different responses with short, practical exercises. This helps with anxiety, depression, and everyday stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes clarifying values and choosing actions that match those values, which can help when people feel stuck or face life changes. Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and building a working relationship so clients can set goals and lead the process.Deciding which approach to use is part of the first sessions. Kathy works with each person to pick methods that match their goals, preferences, and what they are willing to try. She checks progress regularly and adjusts the plan if needed, so the work stays relevant and doable.
The practical benefit of online work is fitting sessions into everyday life. Online work can make it easier to meet without travel, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and let people use mindfulness or breathing exercises in real time where they live. Confirm current session options before booking, since the biography does not list specific formats. Kathy uses her experience to help adapt exercises and goals so they are simple to practice between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
North Dakota, Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with most often?
She commonly helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related mood and caregiver issues.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
She uses CBT to help identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and to test small, practical changes between sessions.
What is her background and experience?
She has 40 years of professional experience working in Minnesota and North Dakota and has practiced in various care settings.
What credentials does she hold and where is she based?
She holds LCSW and LICSW credentials and practices in North Dakota, with licensure also in Minnesota.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session formats arranged?
Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.