(she/her)
My name is Kristen Taylor, and I am a licensed clinical social worker with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Alabama. Since 2018, I have been dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach to therapy is rooted in the core values of social work—empowerment, autonomy, and a strengths-based perspective. I believe each person is the expert of their own life, and I strive to meet clients where they are, honoring their unique experiences, goals, and values. I take a holistic, client-centered approach, recognizing the importance of the whole person and the environments that shape their well-being. In our work together, I aim to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and respected. Through collaboration and individualized care, I help clients build on their strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward a greater sense of balance, resilience, and fulfillment.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and to build a strong foundation of trust and collaboration. We’ll start by talking about what brings you to therapy and what you hope to gain from the process. This is also a chance to explore your goals, as well as the strengths and resources you already have that can support your growth. Together, we’ll gently identify any challenges or barriers that may be affecting your quality of life and begin outlining a plan that reflects your unique needs and values. I’ll also share potential approaches to treatment so we can find what feels like the best fit for you. Most importantly, this first session is about creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take those first meaningful steps toward change.
What stands out most about my therapeutic approach is my commitment to creating a space where you feel genuinely safe, welcomed, and respected. I believe that meaningful change begins in an environment where you can show up as you are—without fear of judgment—and feel supported in exploring your experiences. I take a highly individualized approach to therapy, meeting you where you are while also helping you move toward improved daily functioning and a greater sense of fulfillment. My work is rooted in empowering you to recognize your own strengths, dignity, and self-worth, so that growth feels both attainable and sustainable. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic methods. This allows me to tailor our work together in a way that aligns with your specific needs, goals, and preferences. Clients often find that our work together not only helps them navigate immediate challenges but also equips them with practical tools and insights they can carry forward into everyday life. Above all, I am committed to walking alongside you with compassion and respect as you create meaningful, lasting change.
I work best with individuals who are experiencing emotional overwhelm and are ready to better understand themselves while building healthier ways of coping. Many of my clients come in feeling stuck—caught in cycles of anxious thoughts, intense emotions, or patterns that no longer serve them. I support clients dealing with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma-related symptoms, and relationship challenges. I also work well with those who struggle with emotional regulation, difficulty setting boundaries, or feeling misunderstood in their relationships. My approach is especially helpful for clients who: Want practical tools and strategies they can apply in everyday life Are open to exploring the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors Feel overwhelmed by intense emotions and want to regain a sense of control Are motivated—even if just a little—to make meaningful changes Value a balance of acceptance, accountability, and growth Together, we focus on increasing self-awareness, building coping skills, and creating lasting changes that align with your values and goals. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and intention.
Eclectic
My therapeutic approach is eclectic, meaning I draw from a variety of evidence-based methods to best support your unique needs, goals, and experiences. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, I tailor therapy to fit you—recognizing that each person’s path to growth and healing looks different. In our work together, I may integrate techniques from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and traditional talk therapy, among others. This flexibility allows us to use the tools and strategies that are most effective for your specific challenges, whether that involves building coping skills, shifting thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, or gaining deeper self-understanding. An important part of this approach is adaptability. As your needs evolve, so can our work together. We’ll continuously check in on what’s working, making thoughtful adjustments to ensure you feel supported and are making meaningful progress. At its core, my approach is about meeting you where you are and walking alongside you with intention and care—using the most appropriate strategies to help you grow, heal, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a well-researched and goal-oriented form of talk therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The foundation of CBT is simple but powerful: the way we think directly influences how we feel and how we respond to situations. In our work together, we’ll identify patterns of thinking that may be unhelpful or keeping you stuck. From there, we’ll gently challenge and reframe those thoughts so they become more balanced and supportive. This shift often leads to meaningful changes in emotional well-being and day-to-day behavior. CBT is a collaborative and active process. I don’t just listen—I work alongside you to build practical skills you can use in real life. You’ll learn tools to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges, while also developing healthier coping strategies and habits. Our sessions are structured, present-focused, and tailored to your specific needs and goals. My aim is to help you gain insight, build confidence, and feel empowered to create lasting, positive change in your life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based approach that helps individuals better manage intense emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop healthy, effective coping skills. While DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it has been shown to be highly effective for a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. The word “dialectical” means finding balance—specifically between acceptance and change. In our work together, this means learning to accept yourself and your current experiences while also building skills to create meaningful, positive change in your life. DBT focuses on four core skill areas: Mindfulness – Learning to stay present, aware, and grounded in the moment Distress Tolerance – Building the ability to cope with crisis situations without making them worse Emotion Regulation – Understanding and managing intense or overwhelming emotions Interpersonal Effectiveness – Communicating your needs clearly while maintaining healthy relationships DBT is a structured and collaborative process. Together, we’ll focus on developing practical tools you can apply in your everyday life—helping you feel more in control, confident, and emotionally balanced. The goal is not to eliminate difficult emotions, but to respond to them in ways that support your well-being and long-term goals.
1 rating with written reviews
August 12, 2025
Very good at taking my thought and experiences and putting solutions and possible causes to what is going on. Very interesting to hear what she had to say. Very good session