Cait Gaines
I'm a warm, down-to-earth therapist who enjoys getting to know people and understanding what makes them who they are. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, self-esteem, and life transitions. My style is conversational and collaborative, with a mix of empathy, practical problem-solving, and humor.
I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, without worrying about being judged.
I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, without worrying about being judged.
First session
I hope you leave feeling like you've talked to someone you can be comfortable with and that you don't have to figure everything out on your own. Your first session is really about getting to know each other, understanding what's bringing you to therapy, and starting to think about what you'd like to be different.
Strengths
I bring warmth, curiosity, honesty, and a practical perspective to my sessions. I'm someone who will listen and make space for what you're going through, but I'll also ask questions, offer a different perspective, or gently challenge you when it feels helpful. I believe therapy can be meaningful without feeling overly serious all the time, and there's often room for a little humor along the way.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with people who know something isn't feeling quite right and are ready to explore what might help things feel different. Maybe they're feeling stuck, repeating patterns in relationships, struggling with anxiety, or going through a life transition. They're open to learning more about themselves, looking at things from a different perspective, and making changes, even if they're not quite sure what those changes look like yet.
Origin story
I originally pursued a dual degree in law and social work, thinking my empathy and ability to connect with people would make me a good attorney. Through that experience, I realized how much I valued the opportunity to build relationships, connect with people, and be part of their lives in a meaningful way. I found myself especially drawn to the direct, person-to-person work of social work, which ultimately led me to clinical practice.
Ongoing work together
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all, so our sessions will evolve based on what you need and what feels most helpful. We'll continue building on what we've discussed, explore patterns and perspectives, and work on practical ways to approach the things that are challenging you. Over time, you might notice you're handling situations differently, feeling more confident, having healthier relationships, or understanding yourself in ways you hadn't before. In the process, we'll check in along the way to make sure we're focusing on what's most meaningful to you.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I help clients make room for difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them get in the way of living a meaningful life. Together, we explore what matters most to you and how to move toward it.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I help clients recognize how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we work on shifting unhelpful patterns and finding practical ways to approach challenging situations.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I help clients build practical skills to manage difficult emotions, cope with stress, and navigate relationships. The focus is on finding healthier ways to respond when life feels overwhelming.
Strength-Based
I help clients recognize their existing strengths, build on what they're already doing well, and discover new ways to navigate challenges. We focus not only on what's difficult, but also on what's working.
Location
Virtual sessions