- Relationship conflict
- Substance use
- Trauma recovery
About Kathleen
Kathleen Cates-Richardson is an LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in Arizona and Iowa with 16 years of clinical experience. She helps people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship problems, trauma and intimacy-related concerns. Her work also addresses sleep problems and related life disruptions.
She takes a direct, person-focused approach in sessions. Kathleen listens for what feels most urgent, then uses conversational techniques to clarify patterns that keep problems repeating. She draws on cognitive behavioral strategies when thoughts and behaviors need practical changes. She also uses emotionally focused, existential, and client-centered methods to help people better understand feelings and values.
In practice she talks through relationship dynamics, communication snags, and how past losses or abandonment affect current decisions. For people managing addiction or substance use, she aims to identify triggers and support new routines. When trauma or abuse is part of the story, she works at a pace the client finds manageable and attends to safety and stabilization first.
Clients can expect straightforward talk about goals and steps to try between sessions. Kathleen is comfortable addressing caregiving stress, aging concerns, adoption and foster care issues, body image, and challenges related to autism spectrum traits. She also works with those coping with medical or cancer-related strain.
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients. Before scheduling, confirm the current session formats and subscription details so expectations match the practical arrangements.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters most to the client. It helps people clarify feelings and decide what they want to work on. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, behaviors, and mood. It is often used when anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or addictive patterns are present because it offers concrete strategies to change habits. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes building coping skills for strong emotions and improving distress tolerance. It can be helpful for emotion regulation and relationship strain.Figuring out the best approach is part of the collaborative work. Kathleen will talk with each person about goals and preferences, try methods that fit, and adjust as needed. That process helps match practical techniques to the client’s concerns rather than assuming a single method will work.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm the current options before booking to know whether sessions are by video, phone, or another method. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They also let people connect from different locations, which can help those managing work, caregiving, or medical appointments. Discuss scheduling needs when you sign up so session length and timing fit everyday life.
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 problems does she help with?
She works with anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, plus sleep problems and trauma.
How does she approach someone feeling stuck?
She listens to what feels most urgent, then uses conversational work and practical strategies from CBT, DBT, and emotionally focused approaches to clarify patterns and try new steps.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 16 years of professional experience working with a wide range of concerns including addiction, trauma, and relationship issues.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LMFT licensed in Arizona and Iowa and practices from Iowa for clients in those licensing regions and elsewhere as allowed.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
The original biography does not specify formats. Confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions will be conducted.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; check the plan details for pricing information.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.