Kristi Wyckoff
I am a licensed clinical social worker who truly cares about those I have the opportunity to work with. I aim to provide a safe and supportive space to help you navigate life’s challenges. It is an honor and a privilege for me to guide you towards positive change, personal insight, and self-compassion. I individualize my approach for each person using modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, internal family systems, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. In my leisure time I enjoy travelling, spending time in nature, and creative hobbies. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I am a wife and a mother of two young adults and three fur babies. I work as a school social worker in Nashville public schools during the day and was a research pharmacologist in the past.
First session
You first session is mainly an information gathering session and a time in which to determine if you think we may be a good therapeutic fit. In your first session we will discuss what you are looking for in therapy and what you wish to achieve. We will go over main points of your health, social, psychological, spiritual history. The most important aspect of therapy is a good therapeutic relationship with your therapist in which you feel comfortable, heard, cared for and supported. I do my best to provide these aspects to my client, but I realized that not everyone is the best fit, so there is no pressure to stay with me if something doesn't feel right.
Strengths
I am a quiet but friendly person. I care deeply for others, and I am an excellent listener. While I see myself as a guide for you, I have your best interest in mind and will gentle challenge when necessary. I have a lot of background in working with clients with trauma and bring my knowledge of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process trauma, as well as IFS (Internal Family Systems) to help them understand some of their behaviors they took on at an earlier time in life for protection which may not be serving them well today. I want to see my clients not only survive but thrive and discover/go after their dreams to find true joy and purpose in life. I use many modalities in my practice and have seen recent success using ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), which can help with many strong emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with adults of all ages. I have found clients in early adulthood to hold a magic in their potential for conquering their world. I also enjoy working with middle age and older adults. I have experience with clients who are high achievers and those who are struggling with life's challenges including relationships with significant others and family. I have had the enormous honor to work with active duty and veteran military individuals who are dealing with stress, PTSD, and adjusting to civilian life after the military. I do have a great deal of experience working with children in and out of the school system which enhances my skillset and background and can come in useful as a resource.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I often use this for clients who are struggling with very strong and uncomfortable emotions and thoughts. The goals is to be able to work through the difficult emotions/thoughts by learning to sit with them, let them go, and calm the nervous system all while committing to actions that move the client towards what they value most in life.
Attachment-based
It can be helpful to understand your attachment background and style to understand how it affects your behavior today in order to make desired changes.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- TennesseeLicense 7417