Kathleen Pear, LCSW

Kathleen Pear is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California. As an LCSW she holds a professional credential in clinical social work and draws on training and experience in both health and mental health care settings. She has worked primarily with adults facing depression, anxiety, loss, low self-esteem, health concerns, aging, and life-review.

Kathleen’s therapeutic style is non-judgmental, supportive, and compassionate, offering a space where clients can feel comfortable and understood. She emphasizes recognizing and building on existing strengths and successes to improve emotional well-being and to help people find renewed purpose and moments of joy. Her work is grounded in Supportive Psychotherapy while also integrating ideas from positive psychology, cognitive-behavioral methods, psychodynamic thinking, client-centered approaches, and existential perspectives.

Her academic background includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland with a concentration in mental health. Kathleen views life experiences and past decisions as part of the path that brings people to therapy, and she encourages clients to see the possibility of positive change. She offers collaborative support aimed at helping individuals move forward and reclaim a sense of agency in their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Kathleen draws from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy to tailor online treatment to each person’s needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a warm, accepting environment that supports personal exploration and self-directed growth - it can be especially helpful for issues such as low self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns. CBT offers practical tools to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with stress. Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences and relationships influence current feelings and interactions, which can aid work on long-standing patterns, trauma, or family of origin issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kathleen works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit best based on their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. She integrates techniques as needed rather than adhering to a single model, aiming for a personalized plan that evolves over time.

Online therapy with Kathleen uses video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexibility and accessibility. These options allow clients to engage in therapy from home or other convenient locations, accommodate varied schedules, and maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are difficult. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to support effective, goal-focused work across a range of concerns.