PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

CB Portrait of Cathy Richardson Brown
Online therapist

Cathy Richardson Brown

Supportive LICSW for family concerns

Credentials
LICSW
Experience
25 years
Licensed in
Massachusetts
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Cathy

Cathy Richardson Brown is a licensed independent clinical social worker who focuses on family and parenting concerns among other common struggles. She writes plainly and listens closely to understand what’s worrying a parent right now. Sessions are practical and direct so people can try new ways of responding at home between meetings.

Cathy brings many years of front-line social work to her counseling. Her background includes work in child protective services, psychiatric hospital units, residential settings, a local crisis team, a community health center, and personal counseling agencies.

Background and approach

That variety shaped a down-to-earth style that values safety, clear plans, and steady support. Her practice draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on understanding each person’s experience and building trust. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps people notice and change patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress.

Cathy has devoted decades to social work and carries that experience into conversations about stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self esteem, depression, addictions, grief, eating concerns, parenting, bipolar, and ADHD. She aims to help people find steps they can take between sessions. People can expect straightforward talk, listening without rush, and a plan that fits their life.

Cathy mentions her experience as a mother and grandmother as part of what she brings to the work and she is open to exploring goals together.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions

Cathy uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a respectful, listening-based space where people can speak freely about parenting pressures and other concerns. This approach focuses on understanding each person’s experience and building trust so change can take place at a comfortable pace.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps identify thought and behavior patterns that keep stress and anxiety going. CBT offers specific tools and small exercises people can try between sessions to see practical improvements in mood and daily routines.

Finding the right approach is part of the work and Cathy treats it as a team effort. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels realistic, then adjust methods together as needed.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy family schedules. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging let people connect in ways that fit their day. These options make it easier to keep regular sessions and try new skills in real time at home.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does she address?
Cathy works with many concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self esteem, depression, addictions, grief, eating issues, parenting, bipolar, and ADHD.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a straightforward, listening-first approach. Sessions focus on understanding problems and trying practical steps between meetings.
How long has she worked in the field?
She has 25 years of professional experience in social work and counseling settings.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an MA and is a LICSW, license number 107791, and practices from Massachusetts.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
25 years
Licensed
Massachusetts
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Cathy

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point