(she/her)
Hi, I’m Kristen Holt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the Bay Area in Northern California. I am a music lover, nature enthusiast, and a mom of two children. I aim to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe to be fully yourself. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, navigate life’s challenges with confidence, and start feeling more like yourself again.
Therapy can be uncomfortable at first, so I do my best to ease any nerves and help you feel at ease. If you’ve had negative experiences in the past or feel unsure about opening up, I’ll honor your pace and give you the space you need to warm up. First, we will cover some information about confidentiality and I'll give you some time to ask any initial questions. We’ll spend our time getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s been going on in your life, what brought you to therapy, and what you hope to get out of our work together—no pressure to have all the answers right away. You’re also welcome to ask me anything about therapy, my approach, or what working together might look like. My goal for this first meeting is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of what therapy with me is like, and together we can decide on helpful next steps.
My greatest strength as a therapist is my authenticity and flexibility. I believe therapy is your own private space, so it should be tailed for what you need. I aim to show up each session with a listening ear, understanding and gentle challenging when you are ready.
I began my career working in public schools, supporting students with IEPs who faced emotional challenges, learning disabilities, and other obstacles that impacted their success in the classroom. I loved working with students, but after having children of my own, I transitioned into teletherapy with adults experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. Today, I work with adults who are motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives. Therapy can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you as you shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. I believe therapy is most rewarding when it’s a collaborative process, where we can celebrate your progress and reflect on the growth you’ve achieved. If you’re struggling with relationships, adjusting postpartum, or feeling weighed down by stress, anxiety, or depression, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can explore whether we’re a good fit for your journey toward healing and change.
Eclectic
I use a techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness. When we first meet, we can discuss if you have preferences in what approaches you like and come up with a plan that works well with you.