Cathy Bottrell, LICSW, LCSW - Therapist in District of Columbia

Grief and loss support
Illness and caregiver stress
Anxiety and mood concerns

About Cathy

Cathy Bottrell is a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience supporting people through grief, loss, illness, and life transitions. She is a DC LICSW and a VA LCSW and offers compassionate, steady care for those facing big changes. Cathy keeps language simple and sessions focused on what matters now. Her approach centers on helping people process past experiences and handle current challenges. She uses practical tools to reduce anxiety, manage depression, and improve sleep and daily routines. Clients work together with her to set small, concrete goals that fit their lives. Cathy also helps people navigating adoption and foster care issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, cancer, and aging concerns. She pays attention to relationship and communication problems, issues with commitment, and the effects of family of origin wounds. Cathy supports people dealing with compassion fatigue and the strain of caregiving. Therapeutic work may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered methods, and Mindfulness-based exercises. Sessions often blend talk with skills practice, such as noticing thoughts, building new routines, and clarifying values to guide decisions. People who want coaching around career moves, parenting challenges, or coping strategies can also bring those goals to sessions. Cathy encourages taking the first step toward change and tailors support to each person’s pace and needs.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issues Cancer Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgiveness Guilt and shame HIV / AIDS Hospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityIsolation / loneliness Life purpose Panic disorder and panic attacksSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Credentials

Virginia, District of Columbia

Languages

English

Therapeutic approaches and working online

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is focused on identifying unhelpful thinking and changing behaviors that keep problems going. It can help with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and daily routine changes.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It emphasizes clarifying personal values and taking actions that match those values, which can be useful during bereavement or illness-related transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. This is a process that can shift over time as progress and challenges arise.

The practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions into a busy schedule and reducing travel time. Online work can make it easier to check in during a lunch break, keep consistent appointments while managing caregiving duties, or have shorter check-ins when needed. Because the original biography does not list specific session formats, confirm current session options before booking so you know what will be offered.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Cathy help with?

She supports people facing grief, loss, illness, and life transitions. Other focuses include anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, caregiver stress, and chronic health concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Work is practical and person-centered, combining talk with skill practice. Sessions aim to set small goals, develop routines, and use mindfulness and values-based strategies.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

Cathy has 23 years of experience as a clinical social worker and therapist. That background includes supporting people with adjustment to illness, HIV/AIDS related concerns, adoption issues, and grief.

What credentials and location are listed?

She holds the credential LICSW and LCSW and is licensed as DC LICSW and VA LCSW. Her practice is based in the District of Columbia.

Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are used?

The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are available.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on those factors.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule according to the therapist's availability.

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