Kristine San Mateo-Virgen
Hi! I'm Kristine, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 11 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life changes. I especially enjoy working with people who struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, setting boundaries, or putting their own needs first. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. I use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method to help clients better understand themselves, develop healthier coping skills, and make meaningful changes. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, without fear of judgment.
I help adults manage anxiety, overcome overthinking, build confidence, and set healthier boundaries. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical, with a focus on helping you feel more balanced and confident in everyday life.
I'm licensed in California, Washington, Hawaii, and Nevada. Please note: I do not provide documentation for disability claims, emotional support animals, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, work accommodations, custody evaluations, legal proceedings, or immigration cases.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and better understand what brings you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your current concerns, personal history, relationships, and goals to get a clearer picture of what you're experiencing. I'll also explain how therapy works, answer any questions you may have, and discuss what you hope to accomplish. There's no pressure to share everything right away. We can move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. By the end of our session, we'll have a better understanding of your needs and begin identifying goals and next steps. My priority is to help you feel heard, supported, and comfortable as we begin working together.
Strengths
I bring warmth, empathy, honesty, and a practical approach to therapy. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking openly about their experiences, even when those conversations are difficult. One of my strengths is helping clients recognize patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we explore what's contributing to their challenges and identify realistic ways to move forward. I also understand that therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. Some clients benefit from structured tools and strategies, while others need more time to process their emotions and experiences. I adjust my approach based on what each person needs. As a therapist, clinical supervisor, and educator, I value both professional knowledge and genuine human connection. I believe therapy works best when clients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their progress. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop healthier coping skills, improve your relationships, and feel more confident navigating life's challenges.
Ideal clients
I work best with adults who are experiencing anxiety, overthinking, self-doubt, perfectionism, or difficulty setting boundaries. Many of my clients are managing everyday responsibilities, relationships, and life changes but find themselves feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. My ideal clients are open to learning more about themselves, developing healthier coping skills, improving communication, and making positive changes in their lives. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I value working collaboratively with clients who want practical tools, greater self-awareness, and a healthier balance in their personal and professional lives.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge negative beliefs, and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations. This approach is especially helpful for managing anxiety, depression, overthinking, and self-doubt. My goal is to help clients build practical skills they can use in everyday life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients better understand and manage their emotions, cope with stressful situations, and improve their relationships. We focus on practical skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy communication. I help clients learn how to respond to difficult emotions without feeling overwhelmed or acting impulsively, while building greater confidence in managing life's challenges.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I believe our cultural backgrounds, family values, identities, and life experiences play an important role in shaping how we see ourselves and relate to others. I take time to understand each client's unique background and how it influences their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Together, we explore challenges such as family expectations, cultural differences, identity, and belonging. My goal is to create a welcoming, respectful space where clients feel understood and comfortable being themselves.
Gottman method
I incorporate the Gottman Method to help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, manage conflict, and strengthen their emotional connection. Together, we explore relationship patterns, identify areas of difficulty, and practice healthier ways of expressing needs and understanding one another. I use practical strategies and structured exercises to help couples work through challenges, deepen their connection, and build stronger, healthier relationships.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Asian / Asian American
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
Other specialties
Burnout
Coping Skills
Couples Counseling
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Grief
Mood Disorders
Peer Relationships
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Couples Counseling
Individual Therapy
Man
Non-binary
Woman
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 109104
HawaiiLicense MFT-841
NevadaLicense 4873-R
WashingtonLicense MFT.LF.61379389