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
What Can You Expect From Your First Session? Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what to expect or where to begin. My goal is to make that first step feel a little easier by creating a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. During our first session, we’ll get to know each other and talk about what has been going on in your life, the challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to gain from therapy. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. We’ll take things one step at a time, at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we’ll begin identifying your goals and exploring ways to help you feel more balanced, confident, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges. When appropriate, we may also begin exploring practical tools, such as CBT techniques and mindfulness, that you can use in your everyday life. Above all, I want you to leave our first session feeling heard, understood, and supported, with a sense of hope for what’s possible. Therapy is a journey we’ll navigate together, and you don’t have to do it alone. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you as you work toward meaningful change and personal growth..
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
I love working with people who may be going through a difficult season in life, feeling overwhelmed, or simply wanting to understand themselves a little better. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. You may also be navigating the emotional changes that come with pregnancy, postpartum, or adjusting to a new chapter in life. Sometimes, you know exactly what you’re struggling with, and other times, you just know that something doesn’t feel right. Either way, you deserve a space where you can feel safe, supported, and accepted without fear of judgment. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I believe you don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly where to begin. We’ll meet you where you are, explore what matters most to you, and work together to find practical tools and healthier ways of navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or ready to make changes but unsure of the first step, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. My hope is to help you feel heard, rediscover your strengths, build confidence in yourself, and create meaningful changes that support the life you want to live. You don’t have to be at your breaking point to seek support. You deserve care, understanding, and a space where you can focus on yourself, too.
Origin story
What drew me to the counseling profession was my genuine desire to help people feel heard, understood, and supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I’ve always been someone who listens without judgment and believes that people have the ability to heal and grow when they feel safe and supported. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals navigating substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and the challenges that can come with pregnancy and postpartum life. Those experiences have reinforced for me how meaningful it is to walk alongside someone as they work toward understanding themselves, building confidence, and creating positive change. For me, counseling is more than a career—it’s an opportunity to connect with people, meet them where they are, and remind them that they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
Ongoing work together
Therapy is a journey of growth, healing, and learning to understand yourself on a deeper level. My goal is to help you feel more confident, build healthier patterns, and develop the tools you need to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Progress doesn’t mean life will suddenly become perfect or that difficult emotions will disappear. Sometimes, it shows up in the small moments—recognizing a trigger before reacting, setting a boundary without feeling guilty, communicating your needs more openly, or giving yourself the same compassion you so freely offer others. As we work together, we’ll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build practical coping skills, and find approaches that feel meaningful and realistic for your life. You may begin to notice that you’re managing stress differently, feeling more confident in your decisions, building healthier relationships, and feeling more in control of how you respond to life’s ups and downs. Your goals and needs will guide our work, and we’ll regularly check in on your progress to make sure therapy continues to support you in the ways you need most. My hope is that, over time, you begin to feel more like yourself—more confident, more grounded, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.
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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Serves
Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense PC013266