Kristen, MA, LPCC, CAS, AAT

she/her

I see clients who are dealing with trauma, although it's not always obvious that past experiences are running the show. Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, addiction, boundaries, people-pleasing, self-worth, and feeling stuck and unsatisfied with life. I help my clients move into their authentic selves and resolve trauma so they can experience a sense of well-being. I am sex-positive and open and affirming to all identities and bodies.

My background includes working with substance/process addictions, people experiencing homelessness and incarceration, survivors of suicide loss, Marshall fire victims, and individuals in one-on-one trauma therapy. As a trauma-focused therapist, I consider how your life experiences have shaped you. We often lose ourselves in difficult times and get stuck. This shows up as anxiety, grief, depression, addiction, etc. I work to bring people back to their authentic selves so they can live a life that is fulfilling to them. I use a nervous system-based approach to help heal the mind-body connection. I work to cultivate self-compassion and mindfulness to help clients form better relationships with themselves. I often use somatic approaches, IFS or “parts work,” and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, I tailor my approach to the needs and preferences of each client. In a session with me, you can expect warmth, non-judgment, empathy, and humor. I also offer in-session accu-detox to all my clients for free.

My practice is social justice oriented and non-pathologizing. I don't think you are crazy. Life is hard, and sometimes we adapt to it in unhelpful and enduring ways. I want to help you adapt in new ways that support your overall wellness. I believe many maddening systemic and ecological issues impact our mental health on a societal level. I am here to help you navigate this. I am open and affirming to all identities and bodies. I love working with communities I align with, like the LGBTQ, poly, and kink communities. I also love working at the intersection of science and spirituality. Whatever "spirituality" means to you, I am here to explore it with you. A little about me: I am a veteran, former bomb tech, parent, and artist. In my free time, I enjoy playing music with friends, doing pointless & silly things, making art, the outdoors, dancing, being in community with others, and nerding out on anything weird or interesting.

Kristen sees individuals ages 16 and up

Concerns that may benefit from Kristen’s approach:

• Substance addictions

• Process addictions

• Grief

• Trauma

• Childhood wounds

• Chronic stress

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Self-esteem/Self-compassion

• Finding your path

• Parenting

• Relationship struggles

• Difficult transitions

• Women’s issues