(she/her)
Welcome! So happy to have you here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with approximately 10 years of experience treating a variety of individuals and age ranges. I work primarily with adults, young adults and adolescents experiencing a range of diagnoses and challenges including Bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, adjustment disorder, trauma, family conflict, relationship issues and various life transitions. I have extensive experience working with the LGBTQIA+ population, as well as with couples and family therapy, parent guidance and academic consultation. I have experience completing autism evaluations (ADOS), and working as a Birth to Three developmental therapist and evaluator, and ABA therapist. I also currently provide clinical supervision to other therapists. Grab a tea, a snack, a heated blanket, your pet, a fidget, or whatever you prefer to feel cozy for our virtual sessions from the comfort of your own home. All are welcome!
The first therapy session is a time to get to know you, discuss what you are looking for, explore what types of goals and needs you have, and gather some of your clinical history. I also discuss what to expect from sessions, answer any questions you have, and develop an individualized plan to best suit your needs and priorities. Together we explore if it feels like a good fit and determine how you’d like to move forward. No pressure! I'm here to help with recommendations.
I offer a warm, safe, and supportive approach grounded in compassion, empathy, and nonjudgment. This is what you can expect in every session. It is a privilege to be part of your life through both its joys and its challenges, and I strive to provide a consistent, stable therapeutic relationship. For many individuals, this can be a unique and deeply trusting relationship unlike any other.
If you are experiencing anxiety, sadness, overall life stressors, recent changes in your life, relationship issues or struggling to manage just about anything, having the right support can be so helpful. And if you don’t know where to start or are struggling to commit to yourself and your treatment, we can work to get there together at your own pace, without pressure or judgement.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Unfortunately, we all experience unhelpful, disruptive thoughts. These thoughts can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions and behaviors. I believe that emotional well-being and life circumstances can improve when negative thinking patterns and cognitive distortions are identified and addressed in treatment. This is part of what makes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) an effective approach, as it focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns in order to support healthier emotions and behaviors.
Supportive
From my experience as a clinician, the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important components of treatment and can significantly influence outcomes. To prioritize this relationship, I practice flexibility in response to each patient’s needs on any given day, recognizing that these needs may change from session to session. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment through active listening, reflective feedback, and unconditional positive regard. I also value simply being present with patients, offering space to sit with emotions, challenges, and life stressors alongside collaboratively identifying solutions when appropriate.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I frequently incorporate mindfulness-based practices into psychoeducation, including meditation, breathing techniques, body scans, progressive muscle relaxation, and nervous system regulation strategies, as these approaches are often essential for supporting both mental and physical well-being. I value not only teaching these methods to patients, but also providing resources they can use between sessions—when real-life stressors arise—in order to promote meaningful and lasting change. I am also glad to share any resources patients may need to best support them outside of our sessions.
Strength-Based
We all have unique strengths and protective factors, and it is important to identify and build on these. Taking this approach helps empower you and supports you in reaching your goals.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize motivational interviewing to meet you where you are in the process of change—whether you are considering making adjustments, choosing not to make changes, or weighing your options—without pressure. This approach is especially helpful for individuals who feel hesitant about change or who may not currently desire change at all.
1 rating with written reviews
August 13, 2025
I came to Kristen in a panic, and she not only listened but encouraged me in ways I really needed. She is direct + clear + so willing to help patients find healthier solutions for recurring trauma.