We’re a good fit if... you are curious about counseling but don’t know where to start. You are motivated for change and seeking compassionate, objective guidance about how to best move forward. You are experiencing anxious or depressive symptoms that have compromised your quality of life. You give to others to the point of exhaustion and want to learn how to increase self-care and compassion. You are seeking to understand a complicated relationship with your family of origin, your partner, your body or even yourself.

My ideal client is... clients of all genders ages 16 & up struggling with anxious or depressive symptoms, disordered eating/body image concerns, and/or college related transitions, healthcare and/or veterinary professionals needing support, and mothers with perinatal and/or parenting concerns

I create safety and build rapport by... showing up consistently, transparently and modeling authenticity, even when that means not having all of the answers. I am explicit about details because I don’t want clients to have surprises about the counseling process, whether that applies to goal setting or invoicing. My relationship with clients is the primary mechanism for achieving change, so it is essential that we build a foundation of trust that allows clients to be fully forthcoming, including feedback for me. I believe that you are the expert on your life and I am simply here to enable insight and assist you in enacting change.

Three things I love: my husband of 32 years, Tom, and our three adult sons, our farm with all of its resident animals, a great documentary.

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Kristen is licensed in NC and sees clients both in-person at the Kannapolis farm location and virtually. She offers traditional talk, walk/talk and animal assisted sessions. She is in-network with BCBS and Aetna.

Certifications & Trainings: PATH International certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Natural Lifemanship trauma focused Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

Education: Bachelor’s in English Literature from University of Virginia; Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University