Cathy Nau , LMHC

Cathy Nau is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Washington with 29 years of experience as a psychocounselor and life coach. She begins by offering practical support and relief, then works collaboratively with clients to define goals and take manageable first steps toward change. Cathy emphasizes a steady, step-by-step approach to challenges and helps people translate intention into action.

Over her career she has guided people through depression, stress, anxiety, grief and loss including the loss of a pet, eating and food-related concerns including weight loss surgery management, trauma, ADD and ADHD, and major life transitions. Her work has included Military and Family Life Counseling across the United States and overseas, and she draws on that experience when supporting veterans, caregivers, first responders, and families facing hardship.

Cathy brings warmth, respect, and steady encouragement to each connection, tailoring care to the unique needs of teens and adults of diverse orientations. She draws from evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, solution-focused strategies, positive psychology, and mindfulness to help clients build coping skills, restore balance, and move toward meaningful goals. She appreciates the courage it takes to begin therapy and supports clients through each small step of progress.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Cathy integrates several evidence-informed approaches to support clients in an online format. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT - focuses on helping people clarify their values, accept difficult emotions, and commit to actions that align with what matters most; it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental connection where the therapist listens deeply and helps clients discover their own solutions; this approach supports self-esteem, grief work, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is often used for depression, anxiety, and coping with everyday stressors.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Cathy works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, then adapts methods so treatment fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, or mobility limitations and allow consistent support from licensed professionals in ways that fit a client's life and pace.