- CBT techniques
- Emotion-focused work
- Family of origin themes
About Kathleen
Kathleen Cates-Richardson is an LMFT licensed in Iowa and Arizona with 16 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues. She also supports people dealing with sleeping problems and related life stresses.
Kathleen uses a straightforward, person-focused way of working. Sessions are conversational and practical. She helps clients name patterns that began in childhood and notice how those patterns show up now, including family of origin themes such as roles, expectations, and communication styles. The work often begins with identifying what feels most distressing in day-to-day life.
Her clinical toolbox includes Client-Centered methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Existential approaches. She draws on those methods to help people change unhelpful thinking, manage strong emotions, and improve relationship responses. Interventions are presented in plain language and practiced in session.
Kathleen often addresses issues connected to abandonment, adoption and foster care, blended family difficulties, caregiving stress, and substance use concerns. She also works with challenges like body image, control issues, and communication breakdowns. The focus is on concrete steps someone can take between sessions.
To begin, she asks clients to describe current struggles and what they hope to change. From there she and the client set simple goals and track progress. The approach is collaborative and aimed at practical improvements in daily life.
How Kathleen’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so clients can identify what matters to them and decide on next steps. It helps people who want straightforward, supportive conversations about relationships, family patterns, or personal goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers concrete skills for changing unhelpful thinking and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, and addictive patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Those skills can help when emotions feel overwhelming or when relationship interactions keep repeating in painful ways.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Kathleen will review what a client is struggling with and discuss which methods fit their goals and preferences. The decision is collaborative and can change as needs evolve during therapy.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the exact online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. They also let clients practice skills in their everyday routines and bring real-life examples directly into sessions, supporting practical change.
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 kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and sleeping problems. Additional areas include abandonment, adoption and foster care, caregiving stress, and communication difficulties.
What is her therapeutic style?
Kathleen practices in a conversational, client-centered way. She blends practical techniques from CBT, DBT, EFT, and existential ideas to help people change thinking and manage emotions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 16 years of professional experience working with adults on mood, relationship, and addiction concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is an LMFT licensed in Arizona and Iowa and practices out of Iowa.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a 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.