Kathleen Cates-Richardson, LMFT

Kathleen Cates-Richardson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 16 years of professional experience, licensed to practice in both Iowa and Arizona. She combines clinical training with a compassionate, client-focused approach to help people navigate challenges such as addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.

Her practice emphasizes creating an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly. She collaborates with each person to identify goals, develop practical coping strategies, and build the skills needed for healthier relationships and improved emotional well-being. Kathleen draws on evidence-based methods while tailoring sessions to the unique needs of the individual or family.

Recognizing that reaching out for help requires courage, she is committed to supporting and empowering clients through change. Whether addressing the effects of trauma, working through relationship conflicts, or seeking recovery from substance use, Kathleen offers steady guidance and a respectful, strengths-based approach to therapy.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Kathleen uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients lead the pace of work and feel heard; this approach helps with self-exploration, relationship concerns, and emotional healing. She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is useful for depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and coping with addictive patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT provides practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and reducing self-destructive behaviors, which can be especially helpful for trauma responses and relationship instability.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kathleen collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and life situation. Together they track progress and adjust strategies as needed to find the best path forward.

Online therapy with Kathleen can take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, geographic distance, or mobility limitations. Working remotely allows licensed professionals to maintain continuity of care and make therapy accessible in ways that fit everyday life.