Kathleen Ries, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Kathleen

Kathleen Ries is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing relationship strain, family tension, trauma and grief. She also supports those coping with anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, anger, stress, addictions, intimacy concerns, self-esteem and career changes. Kathleen mentions compassion fatigue and helping clients through major life transitions as part of her work.

Her style is warm and straightforward. Sessions focus on practical steps and honest conversation. She listens first, then suggests techniques suited to each person’s situation.

Background and approach

Kathleen combines problem-solving with attention to how past patterns shape present choices. She uses a mix of approaches to match the problem at hand. That includes methods that look at attachment and relational patterns, cognitive strategies to shift unhelpful thinking, and brief solution-focused work to clarify goals and next steps.

The aim is to give tools that people can use between sessions. Kathleen has 13 years of clinical experience and holds a California license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT. Her background centers on relationship and family concerns while also addressing trauma and life changes.

People who choose her can expect steady, practical guidance and a focus on small, achievable changes. She encourages collaboration and adjusts methods as progress unfolds.

How Kathleen’s approaches work online

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns. It helps people identify how they connect, react, and seek safety in relationships so they can make different choices in close connections.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding without judgment. The therapist follows the person’s pace, reflecting what matters most so clients feel heard and can find their own solutions.

Kathleen treats finding the right method as a collaborative process. She will talk with clients about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, then adjust approaches as progress is made. This helps keep work focused and practical.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. These options make it easier to schedule around work, school, and family life and to continue work during transitions. Many people find the variety lets them use the approach that fits each stage of their healing journey.

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 kinds of problems does Kathleen treat?

She works with relationship strain, family tension, trauma and grief, along with anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, anger, stress, addictions, intimacy issues, self-esteem, career concerns, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.

What is her approach in sessions?

Sessions are conversational and practical. She starts by listening, then offers techniques from attachment work, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and solution-focused tools tailored to each person's needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 13 years of clinical experience working with the listed concerns and applying several therapeutic approaches in practice.

What credentials and where is she licensed?

She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, licensed in California under CA LMFT 78366.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Therapy can be done via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is cost handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 13 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

Next step

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