LCSW, 12 years of experience
I have over a decade of experience working with folks struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, negative self-talk, low self-esteem, self-doubt, relationship issues, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and emotion management. My practice is heavily rooted in Mindfulness-based interventions, which is an evidence-based modality backed by neuroscience. I opened the doors to Logan Square Therapy in 2017 and have been practicing virtually since 2020.
I meet all of my clients with respect and compassion. In our first session I'll ask questions about the client's personal struggle and I'll be prepared to answer any questions they may have. Trust and safety are the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, so I'll be fostering these necessities.
What sets me apart from other clinicians is my extensive history with Mindfulness-based interventions. First introduced to me in 2015, I have been engaging with Mindfulness both personally and professionally for over 10 years. I have studied directly under Tara Brach, PhD and Jack Kornfield, PhD and I regularly pull from the works of Kristin Neff, PhD and Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD. Meditation is often incorporated in my sessions, but it is not required.
I'm best suited to serve clients who experience patterns of behaviors they'd like to see themselves break free from, folks who experience emotional overwhelm and folks who experience invasive thoughts and negative self-talk. I help folks find their self-trust and self-compassion and guide them toward the life they want to be living, based on their personal value system.
Mindfulness has been shown to promote neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself. This allows for more adaptive responses to stress, trauma and emotional challenges. Mindfulness practice is associated with lower levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and decreased reactivity in the amygdala (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and increased activity in the prefrontal cortex (decision making, emotion regulation, impulse control).
ACT helps us identify our personal value system and stay committed to it, even in the face of adversary. Living a value-driven life helps us persevere through external pressures, internal cravings and behavioral impulses. Consistently acting in line with our values enhances self-respect, self-esteem and fosters confidence and authenticity. Research shows that living in alignment with personal values is linked to lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress.
CFT draws on neuroscience to explain how different brain systems (e.g., threat, drive, and soothing systems) influence our emotions and behaviors. With CFT we are able to calm our central nervous system and increase feelings of safety, relaxation and connection. CFT is particularly effective for those of us who experience self-criticism and shame, which are often linked to depression, anxiety and trauma.
3 ratings with written reviews
April 23, 2025
Kristen is very compassionate, I really enjoy my sessions with her!
April 1, 2025
Highly recommend working with Kristen! She is very empowering and grounding.
March 4, 2025
She is so nice and she has helped me so much. She has offered multiple ways for me to cope and she is very positive!