Cathy O'Brien, LMSW

Cathy O'Brien is a Licensed Master Social Worker who brings six years of clinical experience to her work in Michigan. She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and parenting challenges. Cathy aims to build trust quickly so people feel comfortable talking about what matters most to them.

Cathy uses straightforward methods derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered work. Sessions often look at thinking patterns, practical coping skills, and small behavior changes that add up over time. She also draws on emotionally-focused and mindfulness approaches when feelings need space and validation.

People come to Cathy for a wide range of concerns including panic, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, mood disorders, grief, and struggles related to adoption or attachment. She also supports those managing ADHD, eating-related issues, trichotillomania, and anger or impulsivity. Her experience includes working with family stress and parenting-related strain as individual concerns.

In sessions Cathy keeps language simple and action-focused. She helps clients set clear goals and practices tools together in the moment. Sessions can include conversation, skill practice, and planning small steps to try between meetings.

Cathy offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. She works in English and serves people in Michigan. If someone is ready to begin, they complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a time that fits their life.

How Cathy blends practical approaches for online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship. The therapist follows the person’s lead, reflects feelings, and helps them feel understood, which can be useful for building motivation and safety in sessions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions use simple tools to test unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors, which helps with anxiety, depression, panic, and obsessive or compulsive patterns.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people notice and name strong emotions and how those emotions shape interactions and personal patterns. It can be helpful when feeling stuck by intense emotions or when wanting clearer ways to respond to feelings.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Cathy will talk with each person about goals and preferences and will combine methods to fit their needs. That means sessions may shift between listening, skill practice, mindfulness work, and goal planning as progress unfolds.

Online therapy makes it easier to fit sessions into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face work and skill demonstrations. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or for a quick check-in. Live chat and text messaging support shorter updates, homework check-ins, or moments when typed communication feels easier. These options help people stay consistent and try new tools where they live and work.