Kristin Jackson
You are a strong, confident and capable person who everyone in your life depends on. You have been taking care of others for so long that it feels like second nature. As a child, you may have learned to prioritize needs of others for acceptance or survival.
Above all else, my work focuses on helping clients develop the skills and confidence to face their fears , work through painful experiences including trauma, death and non-death losses and unexpected transitions and live in a way that matters to them.
Although you have achieved success as an adult, you find yourself constantly overthinking and scanning for potential loss or abandonment and you developed patterns of people pleasing, perfectionism or codependency in order to survive. You recognize that something needs to shift. You desire to change and heal, but you are held back by self-doubt, insecurity and fear. You need a therapist who can help you make sense of what's happened and develop skills and confidence to finally prioritize your needs, pursue and cultivate mutually satisfying relationships and create a life that aligns with what matters most to you. If this sounds like you, you are in the right place.
First session
The goal of the first session is to get to know you and your needs to determine if we are a good fit. I will ask questions to get to know you and your reasons for seeking therapy at this time. I will respond to any questions you have about treatment. I will offer my impressions of what would be helpful and discuss my approach to conducting meaningful and effective therapy sessions. The first session should feel like a relaxed conversation as opposed to an interview.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is unique because I always begin with the end goals of therapy in mind and work backwards to get there. We will begin by exploring what your definition of success in treatment looks like and feels like and develop and implement a plan to get there. You and I will set the agenda/plan for each session together and work to apply skills and insights within and outside of session. The emphasis on clear structure with flexibility ensures that we are maintaining focus on your goals while also enjoying and enhancing the journey along the way.
Ideal clients
At this point in my career, I work best with adults and adolescents with some element of grief, trauma or anxiety that is preventing them from thriving. My approach to therapy is active and collaborative with us working as partners to help you achieve your goals. My ideal clients are goal-oriented, open to receiving feedback, stepping out of their comfort zone and challenging their assumptions based on experience. Clients who obtain the best long-term results are committed to applying concepts and insights derived from therapy to their everyday life.
Origin story
I have always wanted to be a Psychologist for as long as I can remember. Initially, I was drawn to this role because of the unique opportunity to support others who are hurting. While that desire never faded, the journey itself included a number of setbacks and unexpected challenges that taught me more about healing, growth and empowering others that could not be learned any other way. I have spent the last 13 years combining my professional training and personal experiences to not only help people heal but also develop skills and collect experiences that enable them to navigate stressors and challenges with courage, resilience and true strength.
Ongoing work together
At part of the intake process, we will explore what a successful outcome would look and feel like to you and identify treatment goals and strategies to help us get there. Pacing of therapy depends on individual needs and preferences. Common areas of progress include improved ability to communicate feelings and needs and effectively navigate emotional conflict, enhanced emotional regulation and increased confidence and motivation to work through anxiety provoking or stressful situations, Progress is nurtured and reinforced through consistent practice within and outside of sessions.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
We will work together to identify connect actions with personal values and develop strategies to work through uncomfortable feelings and change how we view and respond to critical or negative thoughts which keep you stuck. We will also identify and engage in "exposure" activities to build confidence and courage with facing fears and making changes in your life
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We will explore how thoughts, feelings and actions are all connected and learn how to use cognitive strategies such as asking targeted questions and exploring how assumptions, beliefs and patterns of thinking impact our feelings and choices. We work to develop beliefs and approaches to thinking that reduce distress and improve your coping skills and self-esteem.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
We will learn how to recognize and validate our emotions and thoughts and expand your ability to be present and regulate emotions, work through difficult emotions, build acceptance of stressors outside our control ,and communicate our needs and concerns effectively to others.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
We will identify and create space to explore different aspects or "parts" of ourselves as a way of releasing trauma, guilt and shame, building confidence and self-trust and reducing anxiety and fear.
Grief Therapy
We will learn about the grieving process and establish a carefully curated repertoire of strategies to help you navigate grief and loss. We will also explore how the experience of the loss impacts perceptions of self and others and responsibilities and roles and develop strategies to honor and manage feelings that emerge in response to reminders of loss.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense PS018008