*Specializes in working with Adults ONLY* I personally believe it's the struggles we endure and the obstacles we overcome that build our character. It was my own personal traumas and difficulties experienced earlier in life & adolescence which initially started me on this path of whole person wellness and recovery. As a result, I've spent decades not just improving myself, but helping others reach their full potential as well. I utilize a cumulation of MI, CBT/REBT, DBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR, depending on client's needs and goals. Congratulations on taking the first step (or continuing) on your wellness journey!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session, I like to get to know the client, establish rapport and elicit treatment goals to make sure we're a good fit. We cover therapeutic disclaimers, Telehealth limitations, and complete the biopsychosocial.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to connect and make my clients feel supported, heard, and understood. I understand that for many clients seeking therapy for the first time, it could seem overwhelming and scary. When working with clients I try not to minimize or downplay their concerns, but to normalize what they have been experiencing while providing education about their specific diagnosis and symptoms.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I have the most experience with mood dysregulation and addiction recovery (substance, sex, food, gaming, etc) which also means I'm trauma informed and EMDR trained. I've worked in all male populations for 15-years, so I'm comfortable with mens' issues, sexual issues, and relationships (DV, narcissistic abuse, communication, anger management). Anxiety, depression, and bi-polar have been common areas of focus targeting emotional regulation and whole person wellness.
About Kristen Nurkowski
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a values based therapy that incorporates use of present moment awareness, driving values, cognitive defusion (witnessing thoughts), acceptance, new committed values based actions and identifying with self as context to increase psychological flexibility and create room for alternative thoughts, feelings and behaviors. We are being driven by values whether we are conscious of them or not. ACT is a mindful way to treat disorders by offering self compassion while taking new committed actions.
Schema Therapy
Schemas are repeated patterns of behavior that happen throughout our lives originating in childhood. Originally they are adaptive for the child's survival, but as we become adults these behaviors become more problematic. After taking an assessment your top 3-5 schemas will be indicated which we will explore childhood origins, impacts of functioning you recognize today and the goal of schema therapy is to develop new healthy adult mode.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT incorporates use of Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Skills by helping clients recognize unhelpful cognitive, emotional or behavioral responses, implementing one of the many coping strategies to establish wise mind states.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Understanding the link between our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Utilizing various CBT strategies including cognitive distortions, disputation questions, and new committed actions.
EMDR
Treats maladaptive (trauma) memories and builds adaptive (empowering) memories by utilizing bilateral stimulation.