PuttingFamilyFirst

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KP Portrait of Kathleen Petrak
Online therapist

Kathleen Petrak

Practical support for family and life transitions

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Credentials
LCPC, LPC
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
Texas, Maine, Utah
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Kathleen

Kathleen Petrak is a licensed counselor who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, relationship strain, and life transitions. She brings two decades of clinical experience and a straightforward, respectful approach. Kathleen aims to create a calm space where people can sort through problems and decide practical next steps.

She uses client-centered methods to keep sessions focused on each person’s priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools are woven into sessions to identify unhelpful patterns and test new ways of thinking and behaving.

Background and approach

Kathleen also draws on emotionally-focused and trauma-focused techniques when past hurts affect current relationships or daily functioning. Her background includes work in community mental health, a pain management clinic, and independent practice. That variety informs a flexible style that fits different situations and life stages.

She aims for clear, down-to-earth guidance rather than technical language. Sessions are collaborative: Kathleen listens, asks questions, and helps clients set realistic goals. She works from Texas and brings 20 years of experience as an LCPC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and an LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor.

People who want practical tools and steady support often find this approach helpful. Kathleen focuses on building manageable strategies for coping, improving communication, and moving through change step by step.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so clients feel heard and respected. Online sessions let Kathleen follow each person’s pace, helping them set goals and explore what matters most in their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical steps to change thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. In remote sessions she can guide skill practice, set small experiments, and review results together.

Choosing the best approach is part of the work. Kathleen treats therapy as a collaboration and will discuss which methods fit the client’s needs and goals. She may use a mix of approaches and adjust the plan as progress is made, so clients help shape the direction of care.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule and to get support from home or work. Many people find the variety helpful for maintaining momentum between meetings and for trying different ways to communicate with their therapist.

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.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Attends to the emotions underneath a recurring argument or distance, and to the attachment needs driving them. Often used where a relationship keeps returning to the same painful loop.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting and family concerns, relationship and communication problems, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, bipolar and other mood issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is supportive and non-judgmental. Sessions focus on listening closely, asking helpful questions, and teaching practical skills when useful.
How much experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience working in community mental health, a pain management clinic, and primarily independent practice.
Which credentials and region are listed?
She holds NV LCPC CP5565-R and TX LPC 15429 and practices in Texas.
What languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
20 years
Licensed
Texas, Maine, Utah, Nevada
Languages
English

Next step

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