Kristen LaRue
Hello, I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. I believe therapy is most helpful when you feel safe, understood, and able to be yourself without judgment. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where we can slow things down, better understand what you’re experiencing, and work together toward meaningful change. I earned my MSW from the University of New Hampshire in 2018 and have worked in a variety of social work settings, including hospitals, government, and nonprofit organizations. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of the many factors that shape our emotional well-being and the challenges we face throughout different stages of life. I transitioned into private practice five years ago, where I have been able to focus more deeply on individualized, relationship-centered care.
My experience as a trauma informed therapist and background in social work have afforded me the ability to meet my clients wherever they are on their path.
My clinical approach draws from mindfulness-based, cognitive, and somatic therapies. I’m particularly interested in helping clients develop a deeper understanding of the connection between their thoughts, emotions, bodies, and relationships. I believe therapy is not about “fixing” who you are, but about creating the space and support to better understand yourself and move toward the life you want.
First session
I rely heavily on the client's comfort level in what they are willing to share. I don't push as establishing a rapport of trust and connection isn't something to be rushed. I am a very curious person and often use the initial session to understand the perspective of the client and the significance of what they are sharing. I have a great deal of respect for those that approach therapy with an open mind and heart, and I respond to this courage with a great deal of awareness, compassion and space.
Strengths
I am compassionate, curious and open to feedback. I believe strongly in the client playing an active and pivotal role in the direction of treatment, and will frequently check in to ensure we are on the most meaningful track.
Ideal clients
My passion is supporting trauma survivors to process, heal and rebuild their lives, in a manner that is both meaningful and accessible. It's important to recognize that we all have goals and aspirations when beginning a healing journey, however lasting change begins at a slower pace than most of us are comfortable with. Much of these expectations, beliefs and hopes are explored in each session. I work with each client to explore how to establish goals that are within reach and measurable.
Treatment methods
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness, or the act of paying attention moment by moment, affords many of us with the ability to harness the tools already within us to address everything from moods to chronic pain symptoms. In my practice I assist clients with nurturing and developing a mindfulness experience that is meaningful to them and fits within their life. Breath work, meditation, sensory awareness and somatic experiences are just a few practices that can be incorporated into this method.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is an action oriented approach, that is also insight oriented. Through this work and within the sessions we will explore how self talk has created pathways that often trap you into negative cycles or thinking patterns. Exercises completed both within and outside the sessions will be incorporated to support and evaluate progress.
Compassion-Focused
It's fair to state that we cannot solve issues outside of ourselves until we manage issues within. Self compassion, although seemingly simplistic, is often the most challenging method, however the rewards are far reaching and life changing. This method allows for a raw and dramatic approach to what many of us fear most, sitting with ourselves, without distraction, and loving ourselves no matter where we are at.
EMDR
EMDR, stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. As we age memories, beliefs or even traumatic experiences can get "locked" or "stuck" creating tension or even triggering us into past experiences. Through the practice of bilateral stimulation (tapping alternate sides of body) we reprocess and reintegrate these experiences, thereby utilizing the body and brain's natural capacity for healing.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
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Licensed in
- MassachusettsLicense LICSW117140
- New HampshireLicense 2169