- CBT focused techniques
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- Client-centered approach
About Cathleen
Cathleen Stafford is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 25 years of professional experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting concerns. Her listed focus areas include social anxiety and phobia, blended family issues, caregiver stress, and intimacy-related difficulties.
Cathleen starts from the view that each person knows their own story best. She listens for strengths and practical options the client already has. Sessions focus on clear goals and small steps that can make day-to-day life easier.
Her approach draws on several therapeutic methods. She uses client-centered techniques to follow the client’s lead, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to look at thinking and behavior patterns, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to address how emotions shape relationships. She also applies Solution-Focused ideas to identify usable changes quickly and Internal Family Systems to consider different internal parts that influence feelings and choices.
Cathleen often helps people untangle communication problems, navigate divorce or separation, and address family-of-origin issues. She also works with postpartum depression, veteran and armed forces concerns, midlife transitions, and questions about life purpose.
People who choose her can expect collaborative sessions that outline clear steps and homework when useful. To begin, the process asks for a short matching questionnaire and then scheduling of an initial session through the practice portal.
How Cathleen’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client’s concerns. Online sessions using this approach let the therapist respond to what matters most in the moment and shape sessions around immediate priorities.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior that keep problems going. In remote sessions CBT often involves short exercises, thought records, and practical homework to try between meetings to test new ways of responding.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people notice and name their emotions and how those feelings affect relationships. In an online format this can mean tracking emotional responses together and practicing new interaction skills during sessions.
Finding the right method is a team effort. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try approaches that fit those goals, and adjust plans based on what helps. This collaborative process aims to identify which methods feel most useful for the individual.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Therapists can adapt exercises and homework so remote sessions stay practical and focused on everyday changes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she address?
Cathleen works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting and relationship concerns. Her listed areas include social anxiety and phobia, blended families, caregiver stress, and postpartum depression.
What is her therapy style like?
She practices a collaborative, goal-oriented style that emphasizes listening and practical steps. Sessions may include exploring thoughts and behaviors and trying small changes between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of professional work experience as a therapist in California.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in California and works from that state.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are offered.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.