“During our work together, I will help you reclaim your strengths and embrace your experience in order to cultivate self-acceptance and personal growth. Together we can work to find light among what may feel like dark times.”

Kirsten’s background consists of working with individuals facing challenges including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-acceptance, life transitions and decisions, performance/life balance, and creative blocks and challenges. Kirsten focuses on providing positive regard, empathy, and perspective as clients explore and make meaning out of their own lived experiences. She focuses on empowering clients to discover the power they have within themselves to find motivation and hope for the future they wish to create.

In the therapeutic space, Kirsten supports clients to learn more about themselves and uncover strengths as they work to find inner peace, confidence in themselves, and a sense of balance in an ever-changing world. With the fast paced society we live in today, Kirsten values integrating mindfulness by helping clients to pause, slow down, and stay grounded in the present moment. She believes therapy can be an opportunity to take a second to breathe and release some of the heaviness life can throw at us. Kirsten aims for her clients to walk out of their sessions feeling lighter and more equipped to move forward.

Kirsten centers her work around encouraging clients to use empathy, self-compassion, and even a touch of humor as they face life’s difficult moments and transitions. She encourages her clients to maintain their independence while helping them to build the tools to strengthen their resiliency and increase their self-esteem. Kirsten takes time to form a genuine connection, giving clients the space to fully explore themselves and their lived experiences. Kirsten views therapy as an ongoing conversation between two beings, and believes it’s important for the process to be collaborative and authentic. Most importantly, she understands the importance of meeting a client where they’re at and finding a pace that feels comfortable for them.

Kirsten’s approach to therapy is eclectic as she pulls from a variety of techniques to tailor a unique and creative approach to meet each individual’s needs. Approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Humanistic approaches, as well as integrating components of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Kirsten allows one the space to strengthen their sense of self and explore a fresh perspective that aligns with their goals, aspirations, and values.

Kirsten received an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Dance from The Ohio State University. She went on to complete a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Malone University where she was recognized as a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling and Professional Honor Society. Kirsten is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Illinois and Ohio.