meet kristen
individual therapy // online and in-person therapy in asheville and across north carolina
i work with folks (especially those new to therapy) who are ready to dig deep and create meaningful change. my clients often struggle with low self-worth, people-pleasing tendencies, difficulty setting boundaries, or feeling stuck in codependent or unfulfilling relationship patterns. some are navigating complex family dynamics, anxiety, or trauma, and shame surrounding sexuality, while others are exploring aspects of themselves and their relationships—like ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, or kink—in new and authentic ways. together, we work on shifting unhelpful patterns, improving communication, and fostering deeper, healthier relationships—both with yourself and others. whether you’re seeking to build a stronger connection to your body, boost your self-esteem, or better understand and express your needs, my goal is to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered.
i believe in helping you reconnect with your most authentic self, so you can step into relationships—and the world—feeling more confident, self-assured, and true to who you are.
while breaking cycles and healing trauma can feel like a daunting task, the great news is that you already have everything you need to heal. sometimes, it just takes a little guidance to access those tools and process past events. i’d love to support you in getting closer to knowing your truest self, understanding your full worth, and embracing who you are in a world that often tells us we aren’t enough.
my clients often come to me with questions like:
why do I keep being drawn to partners who treat me poorly?
what does a healthy relationship even look like?
how can I make the hard decisions needed to create more fulfillment in my relationships—with others and with myself?
how will I ever get through this breakup?
my clients…
adults and teenagers in asheville and across NC
want to interact differently with their family
have ADHD or think they might
recovering from toxic relationships
exploring kink, nonmonogamy or polyamory
learning to accept their bodies
seeking more fulfillment in relationships
starting therapy for the first time
you may be:
navigating significant challenges, often feeling stuck or disconnected, and are seeking to better understand themselves and create meaningful change.
wanting to approach life and relationships with greater clarity, confidence, and compassion—for themselves and others
wanting to interact differently with their family—whether that’s improving communication with kids, healing complicated dynamics with parents, or fostering a stronger connection with partners.
recovering from toxic relationships and want to break free from unhealthy patterns.
learning to accept their bodies and redefine their self-worth, often working through issues tied to body image or societal pressures.
exploring kink, nonmonogamy or polyamory and seeking guidance on navigating these relationships in a healthy, authentic way.
wanting healthier relationships—with partners or family—and want to learn how to build ones rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and care.
feeling confused about their behaviors, wondering why they react, act, or think in ways that don’t align with how they want to live.
seeking more fulfillment in relationships—with others and with themselves—and are curious about how to create a deeper sense of connection and satisfaction.
living with ADHD, seeking a therapist who understands neurodivergence and provides a supportive, validating space to explore this further while addressing challenges.
attending therapy for the first time, often feeling nervous but ready to take this important step. to read some of my thoughts on starting therapy for the first time, click here.
credentials and specialties
i am currently an associately licensed clinical social worker (LCSWA #P018206) with 9+ years of experience. i received my master’s degree in social work from east tennessee state university. my background is in emergency shelter work with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. my specialties now include relationship navigation, trauma recovery, empowerment counseling surrounding body image/self-esteem/identity, and support for managing anxiety and depression.
financial info
sessions are billed at $130/55 minutes. i am in network with BCBS and Aetna.