Kris Harper profile image

Kris Harper

Kris Harper

(she/her)

LCSW
25 years of experience
Empowering
Intelligent
Authentic
Virtual

Hi there, I'm Kris Considering seeking mental wellness can be terrifying. Congratulations, you have taken the first step. Has life gotten difficult? Are you struggling to find a balance in dealing with past life experiences, current expectations, overwhelming emotions, a mind that won't slow down, and so much more? Have you lost yourself? Do you find that self-care is something you only see in the movies and healthy relationships seem to be an impossible dream? I have a passion for meeting people where they are and taking a holistic approach in the journey to wellness. Coming from a community mental health background, I enjoy working with persons 18 to 100 who are struggling with where they currently are in life; grief, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders. I strive to create a safe place to get to know yourself and develop the coping strategies to have the life you want to have. I like to laugh and get serious too. Let's take the next steps of your journey together.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, we will explore challenges that you have faced in the past, personal and family history, and where you would like to go moving forward. We only discuss what you are comfortable with. I have two agendas as a Therapist; safety and working on you getting better. Hopefully you can get better with me, but if we aren't a good fit, we will work on finding someone who is.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I am known for working well with those that have previously not been successful on their journey in therapy. I bring me to every session and am genuine with who I am. I don't sugar coat issues. I accept people where they are, regardless of their past. I use humor when appropriate, and listen. I can promise if I don't know something, I won't make up answers. I'll say I don't know and will help you find what you need. I will treat you with dignity and respect. My personal beliefs don't come into play. Your sessions are about you

About Kris Harper

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have been using CBT since 2009 and was trained at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral therapy with the founder, Aaron Beck. I also had the privilege of working with Judith Beck. With this treatment method, we can explore thought patterns and behaviors that increase symptoms or sidetrack you from the life you want. This works with depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, insomnia, and so much more.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I have been at DBT practitioner since the late 1990's with multiple trainings for individuals and groups. I have seen significant change when persons learn the skills necessary to regulate emotions, deal with things that are out of their control and lean problem solving, develop skills to stay in the here and now, and develop necessary tools to develop and navigate healthy relationships.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

ACT has been in my toolbox for many years and I have had the privilege to train with some of the best. ACT is about learning to be in the here and now and moving forward. It is about experiencing with judgement. ACT has been beneficial for persons with chronic pain issues, anger issues, mood regulation, or just generally feeling stuck with where they want to go in life.