Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Master in Arts in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and have been practicing for 7 years. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community services, eating disorder clinics, as well as private practice. I work with a variety clients ages 13-64 collaborating with them in navigating life's stressors. Everyone deserves to feel empowered and to live the life they want. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe space for clients to explore strengths, deepen sense of self, and find solutions to life's challenges.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we will start with brief introductions and then will focus on information gathering to help me understand your challenges, concerns and possibly treatment goals. The first session is about determining if we will be a good fit such that therapy is allowing you to feel safe, connected and motivated to collaborate on establishing your treatment goals. Therapy can be intense and hard work that allows for personal growth and it is essential that the therapist and client are a good fit. My goal is to establish safety and comfort in the first session to evaluate the fit.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I truly enjoy working with others to help them increase feelings of self-love, self-compassion and connection to themselves and to others. I believe it is a privilege to support another in their journey.
About Kris Bergmann
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts cash
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
I utilize an eclectic, compassion focused approach to therapy that is trauma-informed, person-centered with Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and mindfulness tools. I also integrate attachment & existential concepts to meet clients where they are helping them create meaning and connection in their lives to allow congruency with their values and goals while assisting clients in realization of their strengths.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize cognitive-behavioral interventions to help clients identify and challenge distorted or unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT techniques like cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure therapy can be very effective at reducing symptoms and improving functioning. I also incorporate mindfulness, teaching clients to non-judgmentally observe their internal experience, live in the present moment, and relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions.
Positive Psychology
I also draw upon positive psychology principles to nurture clients' strengths, positive emotions, and capacity for growth. Exercises such as gratitude journaling, acts of kindness, and imagining one's best possible self are used to promote well-being and shift focus to what's going well. Clients are supported in clarifying their values and committing to actions aligned with who they want to be.
Attachment-based
Attachment theory guides my understanding and illuminates how early relational experiences shape the self and interpersonal patterns. Exploring attachment and providing corrective experiences in therapy helps clients develop secure, flexible ways of relating. Existential concepts are woven in to help clients confront ultimate concerns like meaning, freedom, isolation, and mortality. By grappling with these issues and clarifying values, clients can develop a sense of purpose and live more authentically.