Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals and couples overcome anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. Licensed in California, Washington, Hawaii, and Nevada, I utilize evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the Gottman Method to empower clients to heal, grow, and thrive. My culturally sensitive and client-centered approach fosters resilience and equips clients with the tools to build stronger connections, improve emotional well-being, and achieve lasting change. Whether navigating life transitions or deepening relational bonds, I aim to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their goals.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, clients can expect a supportive, empathetic, and judgment-free environment where they feel safe to share their story. I begin by creating a warm and welcoming space, introducing myself and explaining the therapeutic process. We’ll explore what brings them to therapy, discuss their goals, and identify any immediate concerns or challenges they may have. Together, we’ll review their personal and family history, as well as other relevant background information, to gain a clear understanding of their experiences and context. I also outline my approach to therapy, including evidence-based techniques such as CBT, DBT, or culturally sensitive methods, depending on their needs. I encourage clients to ask questions and voice any concerns about the therapeutic process so that we establish a strong sense of collaboration and trust. By the end of the session, we’ll co-create a plan tailored to their goals, giving them a clear sense of direction and purpose. My aim is to ensure they leave the session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the journey ahead.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I bring a unique blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise to my practice. My ability to deeply understand and connect with clients allows me to meet them where they are, creating a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship. This foundation enables clients to feel safe and empowered as we work together toward their goals. One of my core strengths is my versatility in utilizing evidence-based approaches. I have honed my skills through years of working with diverse clients navigating challenges such as anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. This variety of experience has equipped me to tailor interventions that resonate with each client’s unique needs, fostering meaningful and sustainable growth. My work is also deeply informed by a culturally sensitive lens. I am passionate about honoring the unique cultural and personal backgrounds of my clients, helping them explore how these factors shape their experiences and relationships. This approach allows me to create an inclusive environment where clients feel seen, valued, and respected. What makes me great at the work I do is my ability to balance structure with flexibility. I guide clients through clear, goal-oriented processes while allowing space for self-discovery and emotional exploration. Over the years, I’ve developed strong intuition and clinical judgment, enabling me to identify underlying patterns and help clients uncover new insights about themselves. Through my commitment to fostering resilience, enhancing communication, and building coping strategies, I empower clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. My dedication to ongoing growth as a therapist ensures that I continue to bring the highest level of care to each person I serve.

About Kristine San Mateo-Virgen

Appointments