Cathy O'Brien (LMSW)

Hello, my name is Cathy O’Brien. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Michigan. I earned my LMSW from Michigan State University in 2011 and have over 10 years experience working in the mental health field in numerous capacities. My experience includes, but is not limited to, working with children, families as well as individuals with a wide range of concerns including: depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, relationship and/or self esteem issues. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have worked with many people who have experienced trauma such as abuse or grief. In addition, I have worked with people to help them establish stress management skills to help them overcome challenges and cope with whatever life throws their way. One of my favorite quotes by Catherine Pulsifer that I like to share says “We are all faced with challenges at some point in our life, challenges that we did not create. Challenges that happened beyond our control. The difference is how we respond to these challenges. You can adopt the attitude that there is nothing you can do, or you can see the challenge as your call to action.” I understand that talking to a stranger can be very uncomfortable and a scary and it is for that reason that I begin by developing a trusting therapeutic relationship in an effort to make you feel more safe and comfortable. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and empathy. My approach combines a mixture of therapies (CBT, TF-CBT, MI, Solution Focused) based in the needs of the individual I am working with. As a result of COVID and some of the changes it brought, I have done this work both face-to-face in an school/clinic setting as well as virtually. It takes a lot of courage to step outside your comfort level, acknowledge and ask for help. If you are ready to take the first steps toward your ‘call to action’, I will offer you support. I look forward to working with you!