Kristen Brightful
Kristen Brightful
I’m a licensed social worker with 15 years of experience helping people navigate life’s toughest challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just plain exhausted, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. I specialize in working with individuals facing addiction, stress, and emotional struggles. I have a strong foundation in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and I also draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches based on what fits you best. My style is practical, compassionate, and collaborative. We all know, life gets hectic. I get it! We are all busy, juggling work, family, and everything in between. My goal is to create a space where you can breathe, sort things out, and start moving forward. If you’re ready to explore what’s been holding you back and start building a life that feels more manageable, and maybe even meaningful, I’d be honored to support you. Let’s find out if we’re a good fit and take it from there.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In their first session, a client can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where we focus on getting to know each other. I will ask questions about what brings them to therapy, their goals, and relevant history, while also discussing confidentiality and what therapy looks like working with me, in my practice. This session is about building rapport and helping the client feel comfortable, setting the foundation for future work together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
When it comes to DBT, I personally use the skills I teach in my sessions so I know they work first hand! I believe in the practice what you preach and and I use the skills because they are effective. I do what works and get rid of what doesn't.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is someone who is motivated to engage in the therapeutic process and open to exploring their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with curiosity and honesty. They may be experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, emotion dysregulation, or in recovery from trauma or substance use. An ideal client may be seeking to improve coping skills, gain insight into patterns that are no longer serving them, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others. They understand that therapy is a collaborative process and are willing to actively participate, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable. They may not have all the answers, but they are willing to show up, reflect, and try new approaches with support and guidance. Above all, they are ready to invest in their own growth and healing, and value the safe, nonjudgmental space therapy provides for this important work.
About Kristen Brightful
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
As a therapist, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my clinical work because I’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be in helping individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living. I am certified in DBT and have used this evidence-based approach extensively throughout my career, particularly with individuals who struggle with emotion dysregulation, self-harming behaviors, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns. In my sessions, I use DBT both in structured skills training and in individual therapy. DBT offers a comprehensive framework that balances acceptance and change, and I help clients learn and apply key skills in four core areas: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These skills are taught in a collaborative and compassionate way, always with the goal of empowering clients to better understand and manage their emotional experiences. I also integrate the DBT approach by using validation strategies alongside problem-solving, which helps clients feel heard and accepted while also moving toward meaningful change. I often help clients identify patterns of thinking and behavior that may be keeping them stuck and guide them through the process of practicing more effective coping strategies. In addition, I draw on my DBT experience when working with clients in recovery from substance use. Many of the DBT skills, especially those related to distress tolerance and managing cravings are incredibly useful in supporting long-term recovery.