Kathy Rubendall, LCSW - Therapist in North Carolina

client-centered care
practical coping tools
adoption and foster care focus

About Kathy

Kathy Rubendall is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina with three decades of clinical experience. She offers a calm, respectful presence and focuses on practical steps people can use right away. Kathy aims to help people handle depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, and life transitions with steady support and clear guidance.

Her approach is warm and interactive. Kathy centers the person in the work and uses listening, problem solving, and practical tools to move forward. She draws on cognitive behavioral ideas and solution-focused strategies to help people change unhelpful patterns and build coping skills.

Over 30 years Kathy has supported people through complex concerns like bipolar disorder, trauma, and attachment issues connected to international adoption. She also brings experience with caregiving stress, chronic illness, body image, and career change. That range helps her tailor sessions to each person’s situation.

Sessions usually blend talking, skill practice, and setting small, manageable goals. Kathy emphasizes respect and acceptance while helping people test new ways of handling stress and relationships. She uses motivation-focused techniques when people are struggling to make changes.

People who want practical tools and steady support may find her style helpful. Kathy aims to walk alongside clients as they work toward clearer direction and better day-to-day coping. If you want a straightforward, compassionate clinician with long experience, she may be a good match.

How her approaches shape online therapy

Kathy uses client-centered work and cognitive behavioral strategies to guide sessions. Client-centered work focuses on listening closely and building a respectful therapeutic relationship so people can explore what matters most. Cognitive behavioral techniques break problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and teach practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.

She also uses elements of dialectical behavior therapy to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills when needed. These approaches help with anxiety, mood swings, coping with grief, addiction-related challenges, and the stresses of life change. Kathy works collaboratively to find which methods fit a person's goals and style of working.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Kathy will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then try methods that match those priorities. Together they set small goals and adjust the plan as progress is made.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins on a work break, or let someone choose a quieter setting with less travel. Ask about session length, scheduling, and what to expect during your first appointment when you sign up.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseEating disordersSleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Drug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgiveness Guilt and shame Isolation / loneliness Life purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersParanoiaPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Smoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

30+ years

Credentials

North Carolina

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kathy address in sessions?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, bipolar disorder, trauma and attachment-related issues, among other concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is warm and interactive, based on mutual respect and acceptance, using listening, problem solving, and goal setting.

What kind of experience does she bring?

She has 30 years of clinical experience providing care for a wide range of mental health and life concerns.

What are her credentials and location?

She is an LCSW licensed in North Carolina and practices with a focus informed by her long clinical background.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she accept international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Kathy?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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