Therapy

FOR TRAUMA, EATING DISORDERS, BODY IMAGE, SHAME, ANXIETY, PERFECTIONISM, AND PEOPLE-PLEASING

“I think of therapy as talking to one of your best friends who has actual clinical knowledge and doesn’t get tired of just talking about you.”

— Dr. Donna Oriowo

Our Sessions Are Focused On You

I take a personalized, integrative, holistic approach to counseling and believe that a trusting, connected therapist-client relationship is the foundation of any meaningful therapy work. I am an ideal fit for clients who are ready to dig deep and want to be heard and validated while also being challenged and held accountable. You will always be safe in sessions with me, but you may not always be comfortable. We will work at the pace best suited to your nervous system, because tolerance is not the same thing as capacity.

Sessions will provide you with the space to express whatever you need to and to be understood and heard. In feeling safe and held, you'll be able to figure things out about yourself and feel what you need to feel. Every part of you and your identity is not only welcomed, but is celebrated in our sessions.

It's important to me to stay open to any feedback and questions you may have and ensure that the process is collaborative. If something isn’t working for you, or if you think I’m off base about something, I encourage you to tell me. This is your therapy, and I want you to help shape the process.

Just As You Are

Many of my clients have grown up with the belief that they need to be “presentable” at all times, especially when going out in public or when meeting with other people. I realize this will take some time to fully believe, but you do not need to “present” yourself to me (or anyone, for that matter—but we’ll get to that in session).

Wear whatever clothes you want to your therapy sessions. If you come to the office, any attire that speaks to you that day is welcome, from sweatpants to sequined gowns and everything in between. I encourage you to get comfortable by taking your shoes off (I often do) or settling in with the pillows and blankets.

If we meet online, my only requirement is that you have a private space by yourself. I don’t care if your room is a mess, if your pet makes an appearance (I actually love having them!), or if your hair is wet.

Eating or drinking in session is perfectly fine. I’m a big fan of keeping yourself nourished and hydrated and I support any in-session endeavors to do that!

 

MEET YOUR THERAPIST

 

Hey there, I’m Kirsten.

I have empathy for others and a genuine interest in your story, and I bring warmth, depth, compassion, and a sense of humor to sessions.

I have a natural ability to:

  • Understand people's experiences

  • Help people identify what they are feeling

  • Uncover what's under the surface

  • Make connections and recognize themes and patterns

  • Help clients heal their past and manage the present

People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can be fully present for people's stories, even if they are difficult stories, and that I help people feel heard and understood so they can start to heal.

I believe that:

  • All bodies are good bodies, and every single person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect no matter their size, ability, identity, or appearance.

  • Pleasure is your birthright, and it is healthy to have and express desires.

  • You are not broken. Even the things about you that bring you to therapy exist for a reason, and they developed in response to your upbringing, your environment, and your life experiences in an effort to keep you safe and protected from danger.

“I often describe therapy as going into the woods with someone and standing quietly and calmly no matter what happens in the woods, because nothing that happens in there is dangerous.”

—Emily Nagoski

 Let’s enter the woods together.

Here’s who works well with me:

People who identify as:

  • high achieving, high performing

  • child-free by choice

  • people-pleasers

  • chronic dieters

  • neurodivergent— especially recently realized or identified in adulthood

  • gifted

  • sensitive

  • queer

People who have been told they are:

  • too much

  • overly emotional or too sensitive

  • selfless

  • introspective

  • idealists

  • indecisive

People seeking recovery from:

  • eating disorders

  • diet culture

  • purity culture

  • childhood emotional trauma

  • sexual trauma

People looking to unpack:

  • compulsory heterosexuality

  • religious trauma

  • sexual shame

  • feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy

Couples wanting to:

  • improve communication

  • stop getting lost in translation

  • work through intimacy issues

  • be more vulnerable with each other

  • prioritize their relationship

Get Started

Start feeling secure in yourself and at home in your own body.

Click the link below to create a client account and book an appointment.