Philosophy and Approach

I believe the counseling process is beneficial to a holistic and healthy life: emotionally, spiritually and physically. My approach to treatment is collaborative and I see it as a chance to create an opportunity for clients to see themselves as experts in their lives. I am passionate about helping others discover their potential, build increased self- awareness, and feel empowered to direct positive change in their lives. I use a strength-based perspective; building on the client’s skills and untapped potential, using a variety of theories and methods to best fit the client and their needs. While I use different methods with each person, I believe the most important element is the relationship between the client and counselor. I work with people of all ages and backgrounds, but especially love working with adolescents and young adults as they navigate through an impactful time of life. I hold a graduate degree in counseling from George Fox University. In addition, I hold a Masters of Science in Special Education from Portland State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Studies from George Fox University. I have experience working with children, teens and families as a former middle/high school teacher and working with at risk teens at a residential center.

Philosophy and Approach

I believe that clients are the experts of their experiences and that I am a resource to help clients achieve their goals. I work collaboratively with my clients to create a safe and trusting environment that supports their discovery of internal strengths, hope, and resiliency. My work is focused on walking alongside individuals, couples, and families during the most challenging times in their lives and helping them to heal, resolve conflict, and recover from life’s challenges. I work with survivors of trauma, and with PTSD, whether from a recent event or one from the past. Together we work to identify the impact of your experience and develop a plan for a happier, healthier future. I am honored to work with first responders who have been negatively impacted by their work. I understand the courage it takes to reach out for help and to take the first step towards healing. I encourage you to call me so we can talk about whether my services are a good fit for your needs.

With over 25 years of experience providing assessment and mental health treatment services to children, families and individuals, Kristin utilizes a strength-based approach to build upon each individual’s unique assets within the therapeutic process. In order to affect change, Kristin believes in the power of tapping into one’s own positive attributes and building upon those strengths to attain personal goals and improve daily functioning. Kristin uses a warm and affirming approach that validates and supports clients. This relationship is paramount in establishing trust and working together as a collaborative unit. The therapeutic relationship is a genuine partnership and clients will feel that they do not need to “go it alone”. Kristin has worked not only in private practice, but has worked in school settings and in-patient mental health settings. With this broad background of experience, Kristin is able to identify goals together with her client’s and create practical changes that greatly improve quality of life and relationships. Kristin has Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College, graduating in 1989. She became a licensed therapist in the state of Oregon in 1994. Kristin also supervises graduate students in the licensing process for the state of Oregon. Kristin’s licensing credentials require her to maintain best practices and on-going professional development, ensuring current and ethical practices are delivered.

Availability: Saturdays and Sundays

We tend to think and hope that negative and unhelpful feelings and behaviors are going to go away on their own, and while some do, there are others that seem to linger and make living life more difficult. As a counselor who utilizes Emotion Focused and Attachment Therapy there is an opportunity to change unhelpful feelings into ones that empower and motivate you towards success and healing. As your Therapist, I provide counseling that is holistic and tailored to your and your families needs. The counseling process will allow you and your child(ren) to learn how to make healthy connections with feelings, people, thoughts, memories and behaviors that have long been feared and avoided. With a passion for working with all people looking for help and healing, I strive to provide an atmosphere where everyone will feel welcomed, heard, encouraged and valued in each session. I look forward to meeting you.

Education and Passion:

I received my Master’s in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling from George Fox University and my Bachelors in Psychology, from Loyola Marymount University, CA. I have experience and passion in working with children, adolescents and their families, especially those facing the unique challenges of fostering and adopting children of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.