PuttingFamilyFirst

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KO Portrait of Katherine Oakenshield
Online therapist

Katherine Oakenshield

Compassionate, practical therapy for relationships

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Credentials
LMFT
Experience
4 years
Licensed in
Arizona
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Katherine

Katherine Oakenshield is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Arizona. Katherine brings a warm, direct style to sessions and aims to make conversations feel practical and grounded. She focuses on parenting, relationships, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, intimacy, and LGBTQ concerns.

Katherine blends clinical skills with a down-to-earth approach so people can talk about what matters most without jargon. In sessions Katherine listens first and then offers tools that fit each person's life.

Background and approach

She uses approaches like Attachment-Based Therapy to look at how early patterns affect relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot and change thoughts that increase worry or low mood. Emotionally-Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method guide work on closeness and communication between partners.

Her background includes four years practicing as an LMFT in Arizona. Katherine draws on training in several therapeutic models to tailor work to each client. She explains methods clearly and partners with clients on goals and next steps.

People who seek Katherine's help can expect straightforward conversations about practical changes. She also pays attention to identity and sexual expression when those topics come up. Sessions aim for steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Outside the therapy room Katherine identifies with queer and kink-friendly cultures and brings that cultural awareness into her clinical work. She uses plain language, curiosity, and respectful questions to support people through parenting challenges, relationship shifts, and personal growth.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online work

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current connections and emotional responses. Online sessions can be used to map those patterns and practice new ways of relating in everyday life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that increase anxiety or low mood and then testing small changes. CBT translates well to video or messaging formats with homework and short exercises clients can use between sessions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people name and shift emotional responses that block closeness; it supports repairing connection and increasing safety in relationships.

Katherine treats finding the right approach as a shared process. She will talk with each client about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they try methods, adjust based on what works, and set practical steps for progress in day-to-day life.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. That flexibility can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy family or work schedule. It also lets people continue work from home or while traveling, and makes it simple to follow up with short messaging between appointments for coaching and check-ins.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

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 concerns does Katherine help with?
Katherine works with issues such as parenting, stress, anxiety, relationships, intimacy, self-esteem, depression, and coaching. Additional focus areas include attachment, body image, sexuality, gender dysphoria, polyamory, kink and related topics.
What is Katherine's approach in sessions?
She blends Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and client-centered techniques. Sessions focus on listening, practical tools, and improving communication and closeness.
How long has Katherine practiced?
She has four years of clinical experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist. That background informs how she combines several therapy models in her work.
What are Katherine's credentials and where is she located?
Katherine holds an LMFT credential and is licensed in Arizona with license AZ LMFT LMFT-15607. Her practice is based in Arizona.
Which languages are offered and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does Katherine offer?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to meet different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Katherine?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling based on the therapist's listed availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

  • LGBT
  • Parenting issues

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
4 years
Licensed
Arizona
Languages
English

Next step

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