Hello and welcome! My name is Kristin Malaer, LCSW-S, CCTSW-MCS, CCTP. I am licensed in Texas with over 10 years of medical social work and 8 years of clinical social work experience. I have worked specifically with chronically ill clients as well as transplant recipients and in palliative care. I look forward to working with you towards your goals! I am a highly skilled and compassionate clinical therapist specializing in several crucial areas: stress and anxiety, grief and loss, compassion fatigue, chronic illness, life changes, and coping strategies. My therapeutic style can be best described as empowering, as I strongly believe in the inherent power and capacity for change that lies within each individual. My approach therapy lies with a firm belief that you have the ability to take control of your life and overcome challenges with the strengths within. In our sessions and virtual messages, I create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can freely express thoughts, emotions, and concerns. I will actively listen to your experiences, providing genuine empathy and understanding. By offering unconditional support, we will establish a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and accountability. As I challenge you, I also welcome feedback to cater my approach to your needs. I believe in the importance of personal accountability and will guide you to recognize and take responsibility for your own growth and well-being. I work to help you understand the internal resources necessary to navigate through difficult times. Rather than fostering dependence, I will encourage you to tap into your own strengths, resilience, and coping mechanisms. Through this process, I empower you to make positive changes and regain a sense of control over your life. Drawing from my expertise in stress and anxiety management, I will employ evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices. Overall, I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop effective coping strategies to manage stressors. Additionally, I integrate grief and loss counseling techniques to assist individuals in processing their emotions and finding meaning after experiencing significant losses. As a specialist in compassion fatigue, I am particularly attuned to the unique needs of professionals in demanding fields, including healthcare or caregiving. I provide targeted support to individuals experiencing burnout, helping them develop self-care practices and boundary-setting strategies to prevent emotional exhaustion and compassion fatigue. Moreover, my expertise in chronic illness and life changes enables me to guide clients through the emotional and psychological complexities associated with these challenges. I assist clients in adapting to their new circumstances, normalizing grief, finding meaning, and exploring opportunities for personal growth. Overall, my therapeutic style focuses on fostering client empowerment while acknowledging their inherent capacity for change. By combining empathy, accountability, evidence-based techniques, and specialized knowledge, you help clients develop the skills and resilience needed to overcome obstacles and lead fulfilling lives.