Kristen McLaughlin

I was born and raised in Southern California where I lived until starting school. My family and I moved a couple of times which gave me experience in adapting to new environments and learning to build new relationships. I have always had a desire to care for others which led me to pursue my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. After graduating with my Bachelors, I spent a year on mission, backpacking to 11 different countries, immersing myself in numerous cultures and learning how the rest of the world lives and operates. Soon after returning, I found my passion for serving underprivileged youth in the child welfare system. I spent years serving youth in various roles and departments, while pursuing my license as a childcare administrator. A favorite quote of mine is “children ask for love in the most unloving ways” which empowered me to partner with parents and guardians to provide education for their children’s development and overall wellbeing. I can provide counseling to children, teens, adult individuals, couplies and families facing a variety of concerns including anxiety, attachment, depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, PTSD and much more. Gleaning from my personal and professional experiences, I am here to provide a safe space where you can explore challenges, find clarity and experience personal growth. Together we can discover the strength and peace that comes from integrating faith into your personal growth process, should you desire it. When I am not studying, I enjoy spending time outdoors, being with my family and investing in my health. I can provide a 15-minute, free consultation for interested clients. This allows me to understand client’s therapy goals and answer any questions you may have! Area of Expertise I am dedicated to supporting individuals through their personal journeys. My areas of expertise include empathetic listening, fostering a supportive environment and utilizing evidence-based techniques to assist clients in overcoming life’s challenges. I am passionate about assisting my clients in cultivating self-awareness, developing coping skills, and making meaningful changes that are consistent with their values and aspirations. This is accomplished by combining cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and acceptance-based approaches. - Anxiety - Anger - Depression - Trauma and PTSD - Child - Foster Care - Life Transitions - LGBTQ+ - Marital and Premarital (Certified SYMBIS Facilitator) - Parentings and Caretaking - Relationship Issues - Stress - Substance Use Techniques Used: I specialize in blending therapeutic evidenced- base techniques from CBT, ACT and DBT. My approach emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance, helping clients recognize and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. I aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients can explore their challenges, build resilience and develop effective coping strategies. I am also a certified SYMBIS facilitator dedicated to helping couples build strong lasting marriages. Using the SYMBIS Assessment, I provide personalized insights and guidance to couples as they navigate their journey together.