Kirsten Probst-Santha
I am a licensed social work therapist helping children, adolescents, adults, and families take purposeful action through trauma, crisis, life transitions, and emotional stress. I support clients facing anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, postpartum experiences, and family difficulties.
Compassionate, empathetic, and supportive therapy to help you feel heard, build resilience, navigate life's challenges, and move forward with confidence.
Using a trauma-informed, client-centered, collaborative approach, we build emotional regulation, strengthen practical coping skills, and increase real stability during change. I create a safe, culturally responsive space where you feel heard, respected, and equipped to move forward.
First session
I hope clients leave their first session feeling heard, validated, and comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment. I want them to feel that they have entered a safe space where their experiences matter, their feelings are respected, and they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. I also hope they leave with a sense of hope, a better understanding of what therapy can look like, and confidence that we will work together at a pace that feels comfortable for them. My goal isn't for clients to have all the answers after one session, but for them to feel a little lighter, more supported, and encouraged about the possibility of growth, healing, and positive change.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths I bring to my sessions is my ability to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and understood. I bring empathy, compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to meeting each client where they are in their journey. My approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, and collaborative, allowing me to build meaningful therapeutic relationships while recognizing each individual's unique experiences, strengths, and needs. I also bring flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to balance emotional support with practical tools that empower clients to make purposeful changes. My goal is to ensure every client leaves our sessions feeling supported, empowered, and better equipped to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is open to exploring their experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, and working toward meaningful change, even if they aren't quite sure where to begin. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, life transitions, parenting challenges, relationship difficulties, and periods of emotional stress or uncertainty. I especially enjoy supporting individuals who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and helping them recognize their strengths, build confidence, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges. I believe clients don't have to come to therapy with everything figured out or even know exactly what they need. My goal is to meet people where they are, create a space where they feel safe and accepted, and work collaboratively at a pace that feels right for them. I value clients who are willing to show up for themselves, explore new perspectives, and take small, purposeful steps toward growth and healing.
Origin story
I have always had a passion for helping others and making a meaningful difference in people's lives. Throughout my personal and professional journey, I have had the opportunity to work with diverse populations, including refugees, adolescents, and families experiencing crisis. These experiences strengthened my desire to support individuals through some of life's most challenging moments. Becoming a mother also deepened my understanding of the emotional and personal challenges that can come with postpartum experiences, parenting, and navigating the many transitions of family life. Having experienced some of these challenges myself and supported friends through similar seasons, I developed an even greater appreciation for the importance of having a safe, supportive space where people feel understood and encouraged. Today, I am grateful to be able to combine my personal experiences with the clinical knowledge, skills, and perspective I have gained through my education, continued professional development, and hands-on experience. What draws me to this profession is the opportunity to walk alongside people during difficult seasons, help them recognize their strengths, and empower them to create meaningful, lasting change.
Ongoing work together
I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and each session should build upon the work, insights, and goals established in previous sessions. As we continue working together, we will identify patterns, explore underlying experiences, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop practical coping strategies that clients can begin applying in their everyday lives. Sessions will evolve based on their changing needs, challenges, and progress rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. I also believe it is important to regularly revisit goals and check in on what is working, what feels challenging, and where additional support may be needed. Clients will begin to recognize progress not only through reaching specific goals but also through the small changes they experience along the way, such as responding differently to stress, feeling more confident in their decisions, setting healthier boundaries, improving relationships, or navigating difficult emotions with greater ease. My hope is that clients begin to recognize their own growth, feel more empowered, and develop the confidence and tools to navigate life's challenges both inside and outside of therapy.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together, we work on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and developing healthier ways of thinking and responding.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you learn to make room for difficult thoughts and emotions rather than feeling like you have to fight or avoid them. We focus on identifying what matters most to you and taking steps toward a life that aligns with your values.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on building practical skills to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, and become more mindful of your thoughts and reactions.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Recognizes how past experiences and trauma can influence how you feel, think, behave, and relate to others. I prioritize emotional and physical safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration while respecting your experiences and allowing you to move at your own pace. Ultimately, my approach is flexible and collaborative. Some sessions may focus on processing emotions and experiences, while others may involve learning new coping skills, working through challenges, or identifying actionable steps toward your goals. My hope is that you leave therapy with a better understanding of yourself, practical tools you can use in everyday life, and the confidence to navigate challenges with greater resilience.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- IllinoisLicense 149016911
- North CarolinaLicense C019766