Kathleen Cooley, LMSW

Kathleen Cooley is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in Michigan who supports carers and other people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, parenting strain, and life changes. She has 40 years of social work experience and aims to create a calm space where people feel heard. Kathleen encourages reaching out even when it feels hard or scary.

Her approach is practical and flexible. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered listening, attachment-based ideas, solution-focused steps, and trauma-focused work when appropriate. Sessions often focus on clear, doable strategies to manage mood, relationships, and everyday problems.

Kathleen has worked across settings with children in schools, college students, adults, and people with serious mental health challenges as well as adjustment difficulties. She has experience supporting people facing sexual and other abuse, suicidality, selective mutism, and hospice or end-of-life concerns. She also helps with caregiver stress and aging-related issues.

Her style is warm and straightforward. She prefers to meet by video so people can see each other, and she is also available for phone or text when needed. She emphasizes listening first, then working together on small steps that fit a person’s life.

To begin, Kathleen asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability. She reminds visitors not to downplay their concerns and welcomes those who are ready to take a next step toward support.

How Kathleen’s Approaches Work Online

Attachment-based work focuses on relationships and how early connections shape current behavior. It helps people who struggle with trust, closeness, or repeated relationship patterns by looking at how they relate to others and testing new ways of connecting.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions usually include simple exercises and practical tools to change unhelpful thinking and improve mood or anxiety symptoms.

Trauma-focused therapy addresses the impact of traumatic experiences through paced, structured work aimed at reducing the hold those memories have on daily life. This approach can be used for people coping with abuse, PTSD symptoms, or strong reactions after loss.

Finding the best approach is a shared process. Kathleen will listen to your concerns, discuss goals, and suggest which methods may fit best. She tailors the work and checks in regularly so the plan matches your needs and preferences.

Kathleen prefers video sessions because seeing one another helps build connection, and she is also available for phone or text when appropriate. If you would like to know specific session formats or how scheduling works, confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time while keeping the focus on practical strategies.