As a licensed pediatric psychologist with a Ph.D. from Marquette University and advanced training at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), I am a behavioral health provider specializing in improving the psychological health and well-being of children and adolescents. I bring years of specialized experience in child and adolescent mental health. I’ve worked extensively with youth and caregivers, helping them navigate challenges like ADHD, anxiety, emotion regulation, and parenting struggles. I also have extensive experience working with youth managing chronic medical conditions, where I help them navigate the emotional toll of long-term care, treatment adherence, and burnout, and giving them tools to manage both their physical and mental health. My approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies that I tailor to each client's needs. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where families can build resilience, strengthen relationships, and achieve lasting positive change.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we begin with an initial intake session to get to know one another. I’ll take time to understand your current challenges, explore your child’s and family’s strengths, and discuss any concerns or goals for treatment. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and share what you're hoping to achieve through therapy. Together, we will start to develop a plan that fits your unique needs and ensures you feel confident that I am the right fit to support you and your family on this journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe deeply in creating an inclusive, supportive environment where all individuals feel seen and valued. In my work, I strive to advocate for mental health awareness and accessibility, particularly for youth and families who face unique challenges. I am passionate about empowering children, adolescents, and parents overcome barriers, develop resilience, and thrive. I’m an advocate for neurodiversity, supporting youth with a range of learning differences, helping them see their strengths and potential. Additionally, I am committed to creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and families to feel understood and supported in their journeys. My approach is rooted in compassion and understanding, whether working through issues related to identity, anxiety, or emotional health.
About Kristen Yule
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as the foundation of my approach to treating anxiety, ADHD, parenting difficulties, feeding challenges, and coping with chronic medical conditions because it offers practical tools to address thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For anxiety, I guide clients in identifying anxious patterns, practicing coping strategies, and using exposure techniques to reduce fear. With ADHD, I integrate CBT to develop organizational skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving strategies. For parenting challenges, I incorporate CBT principles to strengthen parent-child relationships and promote effective communication. In addressing feeding difficulties, I combine CBT with behavioral approaches, like gradual exposure, to reduce stress and build positive mealtime experiences. For clients managing chronic medical conditions, I use CBT to address emotional distress, adherence challenges, and burnout, tailoring interventions to their unique experiences and needs. My approach is flexible, adapting related methods to ensure comprehensive and personalized care.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I integrate Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) into my treatment practice to help clients identify their strengths and focus on achieving specific, actionable goals. SFBT emphasizes building on what is already working, fostering a sense of empowerment and hope. By guiding clients to envision their preferred future and highlighting small, achievable steps, I help them create meaningful progress, even in a short time. This approach complements other therapies by offering a positive, goal-oriented perspective that can be especially helpful for addressing parenting challenges, managing anxiety, and coping with life transitions. It allows me to tailor interventions to the client’s immediate needs while maintaining a strengths-based, collaborative focus.
Psychoeducation
As a pediatric psychologist, I provide psychoeducation to youth and their families by explaining the child’s diagnosis in a clear, developmentally appropriate way, helping them understand how it impacts their emotions, behaviors, and daily life. I collaborate with families to demystify the diagnosis, reducing stigma or fears, and offer practical strategies to manage challenges effectively. By discussing recommended treatment interventions, I help both the child and their caregivers understand the purpose, process, and goals of therapy, empowering them to feel more confident and engaged in the therapeutic journey. My goal is to foster understanding, promote active participation, and strengthen the family’s ability to support the child’s growth and well-being.