- Stress and anxiety
- Parenting issues
- Family of origin
About Cathleen
Cathleen Stafford is a California licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of clinical experience. She works with adults who face stress, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, intimacy-related issues, and family matters. She encourages people to use their own strengths when addressing current difficulties. Cathleen frames the first step of reaching out as a positive decision and acknowledges the effort it takes to begin.
In sessions she treats the client as the expert on their life. Conversations focus on practical changes and clearer understanding of current patterns. She uses questions and listening to help people notice what already works and what gets in the way of change.
Her work draws on several well-known approaches. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep a problem going. Client-Centered Therapy centers the conversation on the person’s experience and pace. Emotionally-Focused Therapy targets emotional responses that shape closeness and conflict.
She also brings Solution-Focused ideas to set small, achievable goals. Internal Family Systems can help when internal parts or conflicting impulses interfere with decisions. These tools together aim to reduce symptoms and improve how daily relationships function.
Cathleen has long experience with family of origin issues, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, divorce and separation, and forgiveness work. She also supports people dealing with postpartum depression, social anxiety, and questions about life purpose. Her practice is in California and sessions are conducted in English.
Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person’s pace. It helps people clarify what matters to them and make choices based on their own values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior. It helps identify small changes that reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotional responses that shape closeness and conflict, which can be useful for intimacy-related concerns and improving communication.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit best for their goals, needs, and preferences. That choice can be adjusted over time as progress and priorities become clearer.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Many people find that remote sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by reducing travel time or allowing shorter check-ins during a work break. Online work can also let conversations continue when schedules or geography would otherwise make meeting in person difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt interventions like CBT exercises, emotion-focused dialogue, and solution-focused goal-setting to remote sessions, helping people practice new skills in their everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting and intimacy-related issues, plus family-related concerns such as blended family dynamics and family of origin issues.
What style of therapy does she use?
Cathleen uses Client-Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems as practical tools in sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 25 years of professional experience working with adults on relationship and emotional concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, listed as LMFT, and practices in California.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.