Welcome!! So happy to have you here.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience treating a variety of populations 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, grief, familial conflict, and various life transitions. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ+ population, as well as with couples and family psychotherapy, parent support and guidance, and academic consultation.
Let’s start tackling the stressors and challenges you’re facing together as a team. Together we can problem solve and help you reach your personal goals. No more doing it alone!
Grab a tea, a snack, a heated blanket, your pet, a fidget, and whatever you prefer to feel cozy for our virtual sessions from the comfort of your own home. All are welcome!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
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 may have, and gather some of your relevant clinical history. I also discuss what to expect from sessions, answer any questions you might 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!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I offer a warm, comforting and safe, supportive approach. I am compassionate, empathetic and nonjudgmental towards all patients and the presenting problems they face. I am able to consistently show up for you and commit to your treatment, and I truly believe in my patients and their abilities! It is a privilege to be a part of your life through both the joys and challenges, and I strive to provide a consistent, stable support and relationship for you.
** Please note I am currently unable to accept clients located in New Haven county.
About Kristen Connor
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Unfortunately, we all experience unhelpful, disruptive thoughts! These thoughts lead to anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions and behaviors.
That is why as a psychotherapist, I believe emotions and life outcomes can improve once negative thinking patterns and thought distortions are addressed during treatment. This is what makes CBT is an effective treatment method as it helps improve thoughts and emotions and specifically addresses unhelpful thinking patterns.
Supportive
From my experience as a clinician, I have found that the therapeutic relationship is the most crucial part of treatment, greatly impacting the outcome of treatment. To prioritize the therapeutic relationship, I practice flexibility with patients, considering their specific needs of each given day. This does vary from day to day, and I take that into consideration during all sessions in order to provide a safe, supportive environment and provide active listening, supportive reflection, feedback and unconditional positive regard. We all need someone who will not only help identify solutions to our problems, but to also simply listen, be present, and "sit with" our emotions, challenges and life stressors.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I frequently use mindfulness based practices through psychoeducation on meditation, breathing techinques, body scans, progressive muscle relaxation, nervous system regulation strategies, and more, as these practices are often necessary in promoting a healthy mind and body. I enjoy not only educating patients on these methods if desired, but also providing resources to reference these strategies to implement between sessions (when the real stressors occur) in order to create the most change! I'm happy to send patients the resources they need to best support them outside of our sessions!
Strength-Based
We all have unique strengths and protective factors. It is incredibly important for us to consider these and utilize this approach in order to empower you and help you reach your goals.
