Kristen Helfrich
Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been working in the mental health and substance use field for over 18 years. I've been professionally licensed for the last 5 years, but my passion for helping people has been at the heart of my career from the beginning. I specialize in working with individuals with substance use disorders and/or concerns, depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, as well as those navigating the emotional challenges of pregnancy and the postpartum period. I am a warm, compassionate person, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to support people through their most challenging moments.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brought you to therapy. I'll ask questions about what you've been experiencing, your history, current challenges, and what you hope to get out of therapy. Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable, heard, and supported. There is no expectation that you have to have it all figured out or know exactly what to say. Together, we will begin identifying what you would like to work on and develop realistic, meaningful goals for therapy. These goals may change as we continue working together, and we'll regularly check in to make sure therapy is meeting your needs. Depending on what feels appropriate for you, we may begin introducing coping strategies or tools the first session, such as CBT techniques, mindfulness, or other skills you can use between sessions. My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the work we can do together.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is person-centered as I believe you are the expert to your own life. My goal is to really listen, support you, understand where you're coming from, and work alongside you to find tools and strategies that fit your life. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify thought patterns and behaviors that may be getting in the way of your well-being, while also incorporating mindfulness to help you stay grounded and more connected to the present moment. I like to meet each person where they are and tailor therapy to their individual needs. My goal is to create a safe, judgment free space where you feel comfortable being transparent, while working together toward meaningful and lasting change.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to better understand themselves and make meaningful changes in their life, even if they’re not quite sure where to begin. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, relationship challenges, or the emotional changes that can come with pregnancy and postpartum. I work well with clients who want a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can be honest about what they’re experiencing. You don’t have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. My role is to meet you where you are, listen with compassion, and help you identify your goals while developing practical tools to move forward. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply want to better understand yourself, I believe therapy can be a place to slow down, gain perspective, and build the skills and confidence to create the life you want.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we look at thought patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, stress, or other challenges and explore whether those thoughts are helpful, realistic, or keeping you stuck. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, so we focus not only on understanding what you’re experiencing but also on developing tools you can use in everyday life. This may include challenging negative or unhelpful thoughts, learning healthier coping strategies, changing patterns of behavior, and practicing new ways of responding to difficult situations. I don’t believe therapy is about simply telling you to “think positively.” Instead, I help you develop a more balanced and compassionate perspective while giving you practical skills to better manage your emotions and navigate life’s challenges.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense PC013266