Meet Kristen

M.M. Brady Photo

I believe that our bodies and minds are compelled toward healing. Even in the face of great tragedy, the human spirit can thrive. Counseling is for those times in our life when we are struggling to access our inner strength due to harm - whether that's at the hands of a person, religion, or system. It is within relationship that both harm and healing can occur.

As a therapist, I cherish the opportunity to offer a relationship that is specifically meant for providing a safe, compassionate space in which one can heal. This space is one where all people are welcome and differences are celebrated. Therefore I am committed to social justice through anti-racism work and actively affirm people from all sexual orientations, religious backgrounds and cultural experiences.

I approach therapy from a relational psychodynamic therapy model which means that I believe that it is in the relationship between the therapist and client that true transformation is possible. I specialize in working with folks who have experienced religious harm as well as those who are experiencing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I am an EMDR Certified Therapist and I utilize CBT, ACT, ERP, somatic and attachment-based therapies.


Whatever it is that brings you to seek therapy, I believe it is a courageous step and applaud you for taking it. I am excited for your journey forward and hope to be of help to you. Please email me with any questions you may have about how to get started.

 
 
 
 

Services

I offer 50-minute tele-health based individual counseling sessions for adults living in the States of Washington or New York.

Services & Insurance

  • Sliding scale between $100-$300 fee for 50-minute sessions

  • All major credit cards​ accepted

  • In-network with: Blue Cross Blue Shield: Lifewise, Premera, Regence; PacificSource; UMR Top Tier for Mt. Sinai Employees & their families

  • Monthly statements provided for out-of-network insurance

  • 24-hour cancellation policy

 
 
 
 

Values

Foundation

  • Unconditional positive regard and acceptance of every person because of, not in spite of, what makes each of us unique including our sexual preference, the color of our skin, our culture, and the way we practice spirituality.

  • A deep and abiding belief that every person has the power to overcome tragedy and live a fulfilling life.

  • A strong stance against shame. Rather, a belief that we are born good at our core and bad things happen to us by people who had bad things happen to them. Compassion being the ultimate antidote to shame - compassion for both self and others.

  • That healthy relationship is one marked by differentiation, mutual respect, equality of power, non-violence and an ever-growing curiosity toward the other.

  • Change can occur within a therapeutic relationship between two humans. One with a singular goal being to help the other discover the goodness and power that lies within them. It is through this relationship that old patterns of relating can be worked on in a safe environment.

Influential Works

  • Martin Buber - “I and Thou”

  • Austin Channing Brown - “I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” 

  • Dr. David Schnarch - “Passionate Marriage”

  • Bessel van der Kolk, MD - “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma”

  • Dr. Brené Brown - “Daring Greatly”

  • Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. - “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy”

  • Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés - “Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype”

 
 

Resources

Religious Harm

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Contact