Cathy Smith, LPC

Cathy Smith began her professional journey with undergraduate degrees in Sociology with a focus on Criminology and in Spanish, and her first role was supporting youth with emotional and mental health challenges in a residential treatment home. That early experience sparked a lasting interest in psychology and counseling and guided a path that included a teaching certificate and a Master’s degree in Special Education. After many years teaching in institutional, public, private, and alternative settings, she returned to graduate study to complete a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and earned licensure as a Limited License Psychologist and as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - credentials that reflect advanced training and state authorization to practice counseling.

Cathy draws on a wide range of clinical methods and a strengths-based perspective, partnering with people to build on existing abilities while addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, trauma from sexual or physical abuse, parenting challenges, learning differences, and autism spectrum needs. Her experience spans ages four through seventy-nine, and she adapts techniques to each person’s goals and circumstances. Tools she commonly uses include motivational interviewing, client-centered methods, solution-focused strategies, psychoeducational work, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - applied according to what the client wants to achieve. Cathy emphasizes the importance of relationship in therapeutic work and approaches each person with attention to their culture, values, and life context while recognizing professional limits and collaborating toward healthier, more satisfying living.