Kathy Smith

Kathy Smith is a licensed clinical social worker with forty years of experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and life changes. She approaches each person with respect, compassion, and a belief that people are doing the best they can with the skills they have. Kathy encourages the first step toward help and recognizes how much courage it can take.

Her style centers on listening and tailoring the conversation to each person's situation. She works to build straightforward goals and practical steps to improve day-to-day functioning. Sessions focus on what matters most to the client and on small changes that add up over time.

Kathy uses a mix of approaches depending on the concern. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people act in line with their values, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to name and shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and Client-Centered Therapy to keep the client's priorities in the lead. Mindfulness practices and Motivational Interviewing are used when helpful to increase focus and motivation.

Her background includes long experience in clinical social work across Minnesota and North Dakota settings. Kathy is licensed in both states - LCSW in North Dakota and LICSW in Minnesota - and brings decades of practical experience to common life struggles like caregiving strain, chronic illness, isolation, and midlife questions.

People who choose to work with Kathy can expect calm, clear conversation and a plan shaped around their goals. She aims to help people strengthen coping, reduce distress, and move toward a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.

Therapeutic approaches and online support