Kathleen Cooley , LMSW

Kathleen Cooley, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), brings four decades of social work experience to her therapeutic practice and has chosen to continue offering support on a part-time basis following retirement. She understands that reaching out for counseling can feel intimidating, and she prioritizes creating a space where people feel heard and respected as they talk about their life experiences.

She enjoys meeting individuals and helping them address the concerns they bring forward. Her approach is broadly eclectic, with a primary emphasis on cognitive and behavioral techniques alongside Reality Therapy, and she integrates additional methods as each person’s needs dictate. She has also completed training in Cognitive Processing Therapy, an approach used in treating post-traumatic stress.

Her background includes work with children in school settings, college-age adolescents, and adults ranging from those with severe mental illness to people facing adjustment difficulties. Kathleen has experience addressing sexual and other types of abuse, suicidality, grief and loss, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, and less commonly known issues such as selective mutism. She favors video-based sessions that allow face-to-face interaction and is also available for phone or text-based contact when appropriate. She looks forward to meeting and supporting people who seek help navigating life’s challenges.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions with Kathleen Cooley

Kathleen commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy, and she draws on client-centered principles to guide her work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Trauma-Focused Therapy includes methods such as Cognitive Processing Therapy that address the effects of traumatic experiences and support recovery from symptoms related to trauma. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration, creating a respectful atmosphere where a person’s goals and values guide the process.

Kathleen approaches treatment collaboratively and recognizes that finding the right therapeutic method is part of the work. She and the client will explore which approaches best fit the client’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as the relationship develops. Licensed professionals and therapists often combine techniques to match each person’s situation.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Kathleen favors video sessions to allow face-to-face interaction but is also available for phone and text options, which can make scheduling easier and increase access for people with busy lives or mobility constraints.