finding your way – together

A relational approach to meaningful change

Kia ora, I’m Kristen. If you’re thinking about starting therapy, there’s a good chance part of you is dreading it a little, and I completely get it. I know how uncomfortable it can be to sit with a stranger and talk about the things that are hardest to say. I believe that we are wired for connection, and therapy with me focuses on how to better connect with not only others, but ourselves.

My primary focus is couples and relationship therapy, informed by certification in Relational Life Therapy (RLT), training in the Gottman Method, and systemic family therapy. I work with relationship conflict, communication challenges, intimacy, parenting, and the influence of family-of-origin experiences on adult relationships.

I also provide individual counselling using an integrative approach that includes ACT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). As a certified Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health (PMH-C) practitioner, I support clients navigating early parenthood and all of its challenges including anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and identity.

I’m originally from California and now practise here in Aotearoa New Zealand. I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling and Career Development, and I’ve spent the last five-plus years working with individuals, couples, and families.