Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Cathy and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over thirteen years of experience providing therapeutic services in an inpatient and outpatient setting, and over twenty years experience as a Social Worker in the mental health field. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings which include inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations, outpatient mental health care, and correctional institutions. I work with people who are affected by depression, anxiety, trauma, and assist individuals who are experiencing relationship challenges. I received my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University in 1997. I attended the University of Missouri, Columbia and graduated with a Master of Social Work degree in 2009, and subsequently obtained my Clinical License in 2011. My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, goal oriented and client centered. I use the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. These approaches are hands-on and practical approaches to assist with a variety of problems. CBT identifies patterns in thinking that contribute to unwanted feelings and behaviors with the goal to change these thought patterns, which subsequently change negative emotions. These approaches will assist with learning better ways of coping with life’s stressors. Reaching out for support can be difficult, and I applaud you for taking this step toward a path of emotional well being. I look forward to working with you!