- Guilt and shame work
- CBT and DBT methods
- Trauma and intimacy
About Kathleen
Kathleen Cates-Richardson is an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) licensed in Iowa and Arizona with 16 years of professional experience. She works with adults facing anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related concerns. Kathleen's approach is straightforward and practical, aimed at helping people talk through painful feelings and make manageable changes.
She uses methods drawn from client-centered work, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, and existential ideas. In sessions she helps clients identify thoughts and patterns that keep them stuck. She also introduces skills to reduce overwhelm and improve relationships.
Clients will find a therapist who listens and responds in clear terms. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on concrete steps to try between meetings. Kathleen invites honest discussion about guilt, shame, and the ripple effects of past hurts.
Her background includes work with addictions and trauma as well as common mood and sleep problems. She also draws on experience with issues such as abandonment, adoption and foster care, aging concerns, autism, avoidant personality traits, blended family stress, body image, caregiving strain, and coping after disaster.
Sessions are aimed at helping people make decisions and practice new ways of relating to themselves and others. Kathleen accepts English-speaking clients and welcomes international clients; prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking. To begin, follow the site's online therapy options and complete the matching questionnaire.
How Kathleen’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy keeps the focus on the client's perspective. The therapist listens without directing and helps clarify what matters most. This approach supports people who need a patient, steady listener while they sort through guilt or painful choices.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with practical exercises. It can help people notice thinking patterns that fuel shame and then test small changes to reduce their hold. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for managing intense emotions and improving distress tolerance in moments of crisis.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kathleen will discuss different methods and collaborate with each client to pick what fits their goals and preferences. That decision can change over time as needs shift and progress is made.
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Many people find that meeting remotely helps them keep therapy consistent alongside work, caregiving, or other daily demands.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Iowa, Arizona
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with addictions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, depression, and sleep problems. Her practice also lists many related areas like abandonment, adoption and caregiver stress.
How would she approach persistent guilt or shame?
She combines client-centered listening with skills from CBT and DBT to identify unhelpful thoughts and practice new responses. Conversations include addressing how guilt or shame shows up in relationships and daily decisions.
What is her professional experience?
She has 16 years of professional work experience. That background includes work with addictions, trauma, mood concerns, and relationship issues.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an LMFT licensed in Arizona and Iowa and practices from Iowa. The credential appears as LMFT on her profile.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking through the site's process.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the location selected.
How do I get started?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the platform.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.