01 · Who Cathy works with

Cathy works with LGBT, relationship issues and family conflicts

Cathy lists 5 specialisms and 12 further focus areas. Specialisms are the subjects Cathy chose to list first, which is the closest a listing gets to “this is my actual practice”.

02 · In Cathy's own words

What Cathy says about the work

Reproduced in full and unedited - not summarised, not tightened, not rewritten in a house voice.

I'm a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families through life's meaningful transitions. With experience in relationship dynamics, family systems, and parenting challenges, I work with clients to navigate complex emotions and strengthen connections with those they love.

My approach is grounded in affirming, person-centered care. I believe in honoring your authentic self and creating a therapeutic space where you feel seen, valued, and respected. I draw on evidence-based practices to help you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change at your own pace.

Whether you're exploring identity, working through relationship concerns, or navigating family dynamics, I'm here to support you with warmth, authenticity, and genuine care. I'm honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

Cathy Ellis, on the BetterHelp listing · read 5 Nov 2026

03 · How Cathy works

The 3 approaches Cathy lists, in plain English

These are the clinical methods Cathy lists. The descriptions are Maker Therapy's, not Cathy's - a general explanation of what each method is, so the list means something before you have spoken to anybody. They are not a claim about how Cathy runs a session.

Client-Centred TherapyPerson-centred · Rogerian

The therapist does not steer toward a technique or a diagnosis. They offer sustained, non-judgemental attention and reflect back what they hear, on the premise that people find their own direction when they are genuinely listened to. Often what people mean by “someone who just gets it”.

Cognitive Behavioural TherapyCBT

Structured, present-focused work on the loop between what you think, how you feel and what you then do. Usually means noticing a thought pattern in the room, testing it against evidence, and practising something different between sessions. Among the most heavily researched talking therapies for depression and anxiety.

Dialectical Behaviour TherapyDBT

A structured skills-led adaptation of CBT built around holding two things at once: accepting yourself as you are and working to change. Teaches concrete skills for distress tolerance, emotion regulation and relationships. Developed for people whose feelings arrive at overwhelming intensity, and strongest-evidenced there.

04 · What happens next

From this page to a first session

Cathy practises through BetterHelp, so the route in is BetterHelp's. This is that sequence, written by Maker Therapy from the platform's published process - not a description of Cathy's own practice, and not a promise about how quickly anything happens.

1. A questionnaire, not a booking form

   BetterHelp opens with a set of questions about what you are dealing with, what you want from therapy, and any preferences on the therapist. You are not booking Cathy at this point.

2. Naming Cathy specifically

   BetterHelp matches algorithmically by default, so asking for Cathy is a step you have to take. There is a field for requesting a specific therapist during sign-up, and you can switch afterwards from your account. Starting from a link on this page does not by itself assign you to Cathy.

3. If the caseload is full

   You will be offered somebody else rather than put on a waitlist. Worth knowing, because it is easy to assume a match is the person you asked for.

4. The first conversation

   A first session is typically history and orientation: what brought you, what has been tried, what you want to be different. It is also where the questions in the next section belong.

5. If the fit is wrong

   Changing therapist on BetterHelp does not need a reason. A first session that does not click is common and is not a verdict on therapy. That option existing is the main practical difference between a platform and a private practice.

05 · Before you commit

2 questions worth asking Cathy

Built from what Cathy actually lists, so they are answerable and specific rather than generic. Maker Therapy's, not Cathy's - Cathy has not seen them and is under no obligation to answer any of them.

• “You list both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Client-Centred Therapy. Which do you lean on with someone like me?”

  Those two point in different directions - one structured and led by the therapist, the other led by you. The answer tells you what the sessions will actually feel like.

• “How do you handle the gap between sessions if something comes up?”

  On BetterHelp this varies a great deal by therapist. Better to know the rhythm now than to discover it on a bad week.

06 · Practical details

Credentials and licensing

Credential

LMSW

Licensed in

Michigan

Licence

MI LMSW 6801120465

Licence number

6801120465

Licence expires

1 Dec 2028

NPI

1447636634

Years in practice

5

Gender

Female

Languages

English

International clients

Not accepted

Listed since

17 Oct 2026

07 · Provenance

Where every line on this page came from

Cathy's name, credential, state, subjects, approaches and biography are read from BetterHelp's therapist roster, which Maker Therapy re-reads once a day; this page reflects the reading taken on 5 Nov 2026. The licence number and NPI are cross-checked against public registers.

The plain-English method descriptions, the first-session walkthrough and the questions are written by Maker Therapy and labelled as such wherever they appear.

Maker Therapy is not BetterHelp, does not take bookings, and has not met Cathy. There are no reviews or ratings on this page because we have no way to verify one. If you start therapy through a link here, we may be paid a commission - it does not change your price and it does not affect who appears here or in what order.

Something on this page wrong or out of date? Report it and it will be checked against the source.