My practice is heavily rooted in mindfulness-based interventions, proven effective for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, focus and attention, emotion management and cultivating self compassion. In our work together, you’ll develop practical coping strategies, learn to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, build the psychological resilience to live more freely and create a relationship to your emotions that allows you to remain grounded in the face of stress and overwhelm.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I believe in helping you how you work best, so all of my first sessions are uniquely catered to you. I am happy to take things slow or hand out homework immediately. Wherever we start, you will be met with warmth, respect and always without judgment.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe my greatest strength is the ability to cultivate safe and trusting relationships. Without safety we aren't able to be our true selves, learn, or thrive, so it is of utmost importance. With this safety established, I am able to balance compassion and directness, which clients state they appreciate about my approach.
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
ADHD
Anger Management
Coping Skills
Woman
Illinois
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is a brain exercise rooted in neuroscience. Together we will explore your automatic thoughts, behaviors and emotional experiences and strengthen your internal control center so you can stay calm and make intentional decisions in moments of stress and overwhelm. Meditation is often incorporated but it is not required.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Together we will identify your personal value system and prioritize it -even in the most stressful moments. Value based living helps ease external pressures, internal cravings and behavioral impulses. Research shows that committing to value based living lowers levels of depression, anxiety and stress and enhances self-respect, self-esteem, confidence and authenticity.
Gender-affirming therapy
I provide a safe space for all folks to be themselves. I have walked folks through transitioning, assisted in increasing self trust and self esteem and have helped folks stand tall in the face of adversity. Gender has societal/systemic/cultural relevance and implications and I bring this lens and understanding of intersectionality into my sessions. I will communicate about norms, status quos, privilege, systemic oppression, etc. explicitly as necessary.
Attachment-based
Attachment-focused methods help folks find safety and security within relationships which lead to healthier, emotionally regulated and stable partnerships, friendships, families, relationships at work and in your community. Together we can build your trust, intimacy, ability to navigate power dynamics and increase your self esteem and confidence.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Exploring our thoughts help us come in contact with beliefs that are no longer serving us. They may have helped keep us safe in the past by telling us to shrink our personalities, avoid our feelings or power through the pain. As an autonomous being, YOU get to decide what you do with your personality, feelings and pain and I can help provide you with the tools necessary to separate you from your current beliefs and onto a path of believing what you know to be healthy and satisfying way to live your life.
3 ratings with written reviews
April 23, 2025
Kristen is very compassionate, I really enjoy my sessions with her!
April 1, 2025
Highly recommend working with Kristen! She is very empowering and grounding.
March 4, 2025
She is so nice and she has helped me so much. She has offered multiple ways for me to cope and she is very positive!