- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Life purpose
About Kathy
Kathy Branning is an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) and an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with 30 years of clinical experience in Illinois and Wisconsin. She works with people who face stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Kathy also supports people dealing with life purpose questions and related struggles such as isolation, control issues, and mood problems.
She approaches work by treating each person as the expert on their own life. Kathy focuses on strengths people already have and on practical steps they can use when things feel stuck. Sessions are straightforward and talk-focused, with attention to building motivation and confidence.
Many clients bring concerns about relationships, money, caregiving strain, or chronic illness. Kathy talks through concrete ways to cope with those pressures, including managing panic attacks, impulses, guilt, and grief after separation. She helps people notice patterns that get in the way and tries to make changes feel manageable.
Her background includes three decades of direct clinical work across settings. That experience informs how she recognizes common roadblocks and suggests clear tools rather than abstract advice. Kathy aims to make next steps practical and focused on daily life demands.
To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The subscription model for sessions can be canceled at any time and costs vary with location. Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not accepted.
Evidence-based approaches and online sessions
Therapeutic approaches used focus on evidence-based techniques that address symptoms and behaviors. One common approach is skills-based work that teaches specific coping tools for anxiety, panic, and mood problems, such as breathing strategies, grounding, and practical routines to reduce distress. Another approach emphasizes motivational work to increase readiness for change when dealing with addictions, impulsivity, or low motivation; this involves clear goal-setting and stepwise plans to build forward momentum.Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative work. The therapist will discuss what feels helpful and test approaches over time, adjusting methods to fit the client's needs, goals, and preferences rather than assuming a single method will suit everyone.
Session format options are not specified in the original biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, shorten commute time, and allow check-ins that suit work or caregiving schedules. Phone sessions often require less bandwidth and can be useful for brief check-ins, while video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Discuss formats during the initial matching step to find what fits everyday life and obligations.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Illinois, Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Additional areas include life purpose, panic, and caregiver stress.
How would she describe her approach to feeling stuck?
She treats the client as the expert on their story and focuses on existing strengths. The work emphasizes practical, talk-based steps to increase motivation and confidence.
What professional experience does she bring?
She has 30 years of professional work experience in clinical settings. That background guides practical suggestions and recognition of common patterns.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds LCPC and LCSW credentials and practices in Illinois. The credentials are listed as IL LCPC and WI LCSW.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to start working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.