- 16 years experience
- LMFT
- Works in English
About Kathleen
Kathleen Cates-Richardson is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 16 years of experience. She offers calm, straightforward support for people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, intimacy struggles, and problems with sleep. She also assists those dealing with addiction and grief. Kathleen works to make talking about hard things feel manageable and clear.
Her approach centers on building a trusting, nonjudgmental space where clients can name what matters most. She uses client-centered work to follow each person’s pace and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify unhelpful thinking and practical steps to change patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy provides skills for managing strong emotions and improving day-to-day coping.
Kathleen draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy and existential ideas when relationships or life meaning are central issues. These methods help people understand feelings and make choices that fit their values. She adapts her work to concerns like abandonment, adoption and foster care histories, aging and caregiver stress, and body image.
Her background includes clinical work across Iowa and Arizona settings over many years. That experience shaped a plainspoken style that focuses on what will feel useful right away. She aims to help people build routines that support better sleep, clearer communication, and reduced relapse risk where addiction is involved.
Kathleen offers services in English and accepts international clients. To begin, readers are encouraged to review the therapist profile, complete any intake steps, and match with her through the site tools before scheduling a session.
Her approach centers on building a trusting, nonjudgmental space where clients can name what matters most. She uses client-centered work to follow each person’s pace and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify unhelpful thinking and practical steps to change patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy provides skills for managing strong emotions and improving day-to-day coping.
Kathleen draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy and existential ideas when relationships or life meaning are central issues. These methods help people understand feelings and make choices that fit their values. She adapts her work to concerns like abandonment, adoption and foster care histories, aging and caregiver stress, and body image.
Her background includes clinical work across Iowa and Arizona settings over many years. That experience shaped a plainspoken style that focuses on what will feel useful right away. She aims to help people build routines that support better sleep, clearer communication, and reduced relapse risk where addiction is involved.
Kathleen offers services in English and accepts international clients. To begin, readers are encouraged to review the therapist profile, complete any intake steps, and match with her through the site tools before scheduling a session.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Sleeping disorders
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
Iowa, Arizona
Languages
English
How these approaches work in online therapy
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead so sessions feel relevant and respectful. Online work can use this approach to prioritize whatever matters most to the person, from daily stressors to longer term goals.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches simple exercises to change patterns. Delivered online, CBT often includes homework and short skill practice between sessions to build momentum. Dialectical Behavior Therapy adds emotion regulation and distress-tolerance skills that can be practiced in real time and reviewed with a therapist during sessions.
Finding the best approach is a joint process. The therapist will talk about goals and preferences, try methods that make sense, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. Clients and therapist work together to pick tools and set small, achievable steps.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can guide pacing and skills so work continues between sessions and fits everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist help with?
She helps people with addictions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, depression, and sleep difficulties, among other related concerns.
How would you describe the therapist's style in sessions?
The style is client-centered and straightforward, creating a nonjudgmental space and focusing on practical steps clients can use day to day.
What is Kathleen's professional background?
She has 16 years of professional work experience and has practiced in clinical settings in Iowa and Arizona.
What credentials and location information are provided?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, holding licenses in Arizona and Iowa, and is based in Iowa.
Are sessions offered in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English, and she does accept international clients.
Which session formats are available for meeting with this therapist?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.