Sierra Kihlstadius
Sierra Kihlstadius
(she/her)
Hi, I’m Sierra (she/her). I help queer, neurodivergent babes caught in the pattern of people pleasing swap burnout for boundaries and self-doubt for self-love! As a lesbian woman with ADHD, raised in the Bible Belt, I know what it’s like to feel like you’re “too much” and “not enough” all at once. In my youth, I was the one holding space for everyone else. I navigated the world with a heart that was often deemed “too sensitive.” I became a chronic rescuer, fearful people would leave me if they didn’t need me. I poured myself into caretaking, not realizing how much I was abandoning myself in the process. Now, after diligent work with my shadow parts, I have relationships that can hold space for both my loved ones and myself. I now give myself permission to “be done” with spaces that no longer serve me rather than lingering for fear of change or hurt feelings. Therapy isn’t a quick fix, because nothing is actually broken. It is a continuous homecoming. Whether you’re navigating neurodivergence, queerness, debilitating overthinking, or the burnout of trying in vain to be everything to everyone, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll untangle the internalized “shoulds,” reconnect you with your own internal compass, and build something softer, freer, and more sustainable. This is your invitation to come as you are, messy parts and all.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we will start with introductions and review consents. After the housekeeping is out of the way, we will get into your story. Clients are free to share as little or as much as they feel comfortable sharing in this space. I like to use this first session to introduce one new grounding skill.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in the therapeutic process. I believe I offer a partnership in this space that is warm and genuine, inviting my clients to be open not only with me but with themselves as well. My therapist hot take: I don't believe in lazy, crazy, or stupid. I challenge my clients to be radically self-accepting and self-compassionate. I challenge myself at least as much as my clients and make the effort to be aware of my own biases and limits of my lived experiences. For example, I won't pretend to understand what it's like for my black clients to be black in America, but I will hold the space for them.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The people who benefit the most from working with me are the people who either have or want to have the courage to be their most authentic, favorite selves. These individuals recognize it's time to make some changes, but maybe do not know where to start or what changes need to be made.
About Sierra Kihlstadius
I identify as
Specialties
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Jungian
Over the last two years, I have been incorporating Jungian concepts such as inner child and shadow work into my practice with clients. Together, we explore how the inner child shows up and what they might need in order for the client to operate from a healed place. I think Ayesha Siddiqi's quote, "Be the person you needed when you were younger," wonderfully describes this approach.
Eclectic
Therapy is not "one size fits all". Different people need different things. Therefore, I have utilized a multitude of various approaches over the course of my career. Utilizing eclectic therapy approaches is how I meet clients where they are.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I have always maintained that the client is the expert of their own experience. I honor this truth by empowering the client to take charge of the session and use the time as they need it.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I consider this modality a therapist's bread and butter. I often start with some CBT to help clients identify what thinking errors they may be running into (ex. black and white thinking, "should" statements). This is how we start challenging some of those unhelpful stories.