“Pain travels through families until someone is ready to feel it.”

-Stephi Wagner

Experience

Hi! I’m Kristin, a licensed mental health therapist. I decided I wanted to be a therapist when I was 14 years old and I never looked back. I can’t imagine a more rewarding career than watching people transform, heal, and improve their quality of life. Hearing client’s say, “I’ve never told this to anyone before”, seeing hope in someone who previously had none, and witnessing a child play out an experience that was impossible for them to verbalize are just a few of the incredibly meaningful and rewarding experiences I’ve had as a therapist.

Beginning therapy is a brave and courageous step towards healing. I know how scary it can be to open up to someone you don’t know and I strive to provide you and your family a safe space. I hold such gratitude in my heart for my past, current, and future clients for allowing me to support them. If you are looking for someone to join you or your family on your journey towards growth, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

More about me

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arkansas Tech University in 2014, fueling my passion for understanding human behaviors. Determined to make a difference, I pursued my graduate studies, obtaining a master's degree from the University of Arkansas in 2017. I worked in school-based mental health for 6 years, which ignited a passion in working with families and inspired me to obtain my RPT (Registered Play Therapist) certification. I began working in private practice in 2021, where I gained experience working with clients from all ages, backgrounds, and presenting problems. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, running, hiking, yoga, listening to podcasts, and drinking coffee.

I work with children and families to understand their unique experiences and challenges, and to develop strategies for coping with and overcoming them. I have a deep understanding of the developmental needs of children, and I use evidence-based techniques to help them explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive setting. My approach is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental, and I strive to create a space where my clients feel heard, understood, and valued.

I believe that healthy families begin with healthy parents. As a parent of two myself, I am walking the humbling road of trying to raise emotionally connected, intelligent kids. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I am happy to offer you a solid conversation involving problem solving, diving into the “why” behind your child’s behaviors, and guidance on how to navigate parenting a child experiencing emotional and behavioral concerns. When parents are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, it can have a profound impact on their ability to parent effectively. That's why my approach focuses not only on helping children, but also on providing compassionate, non-judgmental support to parents as they work to improve their own mental health.

I also have a special interest in working with HSPs (Highly Sensitive Persons). HSPs have a genetic trait that makes them more attuned to stimuli, such as emotions, environment, and physical sensations. This can result in increased emotional responsiveness and a greater likelihood of becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated. Therapy can provide a safe space for HSPs to be understood and validated, learn coping strategies, regulate emotions, improve relationships, process traumatic events, and increase self awareness. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed, I'm here to help. Let's work together to help you embrace your sensitivity and live a more fulfilling life.

My approach

I provide a highly relational approach, using a wide network of practices and techniques to individualize and maximize the process of growth. Rather than viewing the client as a passive recipient of treatment, I view them as an active participant in their own therapy. As a therapist practicing client-centered therapy, my approach is centered around the belief that individuals have within themselves the capacity for personal growth and change. In our sessions, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without fear of criticism or rejection.

I often incorporate mindfulness and compassion-focused practices to help people develop the skills to detach from the less helpful inner-dialogues and connect with more compassionate inner-narratives. My role is to help clients access this inner wisdom so they can heal, grow, and live the fulfilling life they are seeking. I accept my clients for who they are, without judgment or expectation. This creates a safe space where clients can be themselves and express their thoughts and feelings freely. I use an eclectic blend of approaches including: Brainspotting, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Client-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Existential, Sandplay, and Play Therapy. 

I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all individuals seeking therapy. I firmly believe in the importance of embracing diversity and respecting the unique experiences, identities, and backgrounds of my clients. I am committed to fostering an inclusive space where all clients feel respected, validated, and heard. I actively work to challenge biases, stereotypes, and discrimination that may impact the therapeutic process. My goal is to create an environment free from judgment and to encourage open and honest dialogue. I understand that promoting diversity and inclusivity is an ongoing process. I actively engage in continuing education, seek diverse perspectives, and stay informed about current research and best practices.