Cathy Richardson Brown, LICSW

Cathy Richardson Brown offers straightforward, practical support for people who are feeling overwhelmed. She helps individuals who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, substance concerns, eating struggles, bipolar challenges, ADHD, trauma, and parenting strain. Cathy introduces herself simply and listens first to understand each person's situation.

With 25 years as a licensed independent clinical social worker - LICSW - she brings broad experience in many settings. Her background includes child protective services, psychiatric hospital units, residential programs, a crisis team, and work in a community health center and private agencies. Those roles shaped her approach to everyday problems and complex emotional issues.

In sessions she uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people notice and shift thinking and behavior patterns that worsen mood and anxiety. She also draws on client-centered therapy, focusing on a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship that helps people feel heard and understood. Cathy aims to blend practical skills with attentive listening.

She writes from the perspective of a parent and grandparent and often uses everyday language when talking through concerns. Her style is collaborative - she works with each person to set goals and pick strategies that fit their life.

Cathy practices from Massachusetts and offers services in English. She accepts international clients for remote sessions and prefers to move at a pace that feels manageable for the person she is supporting.

How Cathy’s Approach Works Online

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing how thoughts affect feelings and behavior. Cathy uses CBT to help people identify unhelpful thought patterns and try small behavior changes that can ease anxiety, depression, or stress.

Client-centered therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental relationship. In this approach Cathy listens closely, reflects what she hears, and helps people clarify their goals so they can make choices that feel right for them.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Cathy collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their needs and goals. She checks in regularly and adjusts strategies if something isn’t working or feels too fast.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video helps with face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone calls work well when video isn’t practical or bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging suit shorter check-ins, quick coping strategies, or people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, family, or travel schedules while keeping the focus on the issues you want to address.