Cathy Nau , LMHC

Cathy Nau is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington who brings 29 years of experience supporting people through difficult transitions and persistent struggles. She begins by meeting each person where they are and offering practical relief and emotional support, then works collaboratively to define clear goals and identify the first small steps toward them. Cathy often uses the image of walking over a high mountain one step at a time to help clients break larger challenges into manageable actions.

Her background includes extensive work with depression, stress, anxiety, grief and loss - including pet loss - eating disorders and weight-loss surgery management, trauma, ADD and ADHD, and coping with life changes. Her practice has also included Military and Family Life Counseling across the United States and overseas, giving her experience with a range of cultural and situational contexts. Cathy values warmth, respect, and attuned listening, and she adapts therapeutic methods to suit each individual.

Over the years she has drawn on Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help teens and adults of diverse orientations move toward their goals. She honors the courage it takes to begin and supports clients in taking steady, empowered steps forward.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Care

Cathy integrates several evidence-informed approaches to address stress, anxiety, grief, ADHD, trauma, and life transitions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then take actions that align with their values - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with change. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathetic listening and creating a nonjudgmental space where a person’s own goals and strengths guide the work - this approach supports self-esteem, grief work, and personal growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and teaches practical skills to change them, which can be effective for mood and anxiety-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Cathy works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit best with their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule regular appointments, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access consistent support from licensed professionals when in-person visits are not practical.