TRAINING AND CREDENTIALS

Kristan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with experience in supporting clients of different ages and with a wide variety of concerns. She received a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Fayetteville State University in 2017 and completed her clinical internship at Southern Regional Area Health Education Center (SR-AHEC) in Fayetteville, NC where she provided substance use treatment, crisis intervention, and individual, couple, and family psychotherapy. Kristan's previous employment and training heavily centered around evidenced-based treatment of children and families, early intervention, and preventative services. She collaborated and trained with children and family driven initiatives to include NC Healthy and Resilient Communities Initiative and Zero to Three to increase protective factors and positive childhood experiences for children, families, and communities. Through these opportunities, she has attended and led respective trainings on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Toxic Stress, Trauma-Informed Screening and Assessment, and building Resilience in individuals and communities. Kristan has a background and training in ABA therapy and has training and experience as a group leader for The Incredible Years parenting program.

AREAS OF CLINICAL INTEREST

Kristan enjoys working with clients across a range of mental health issues whether it be adults, adolescents, or children from ages 3 and up. She values the foundation of trust and collaboration a person-centered therapeutic approach establishes. She will integrate various approaches based on individual needs, but regularly utilize aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. She is especially passionate about her work with children and families. She believes that parents act from a place of love and positive intent, but sometimes the complexity of interacting factors upon the parent-child relationship requires a little extra support. Kristan works non-judgmentally with children, parents, and families within the context and understanding of their culture(s) to increase social emotional learning, attunement, and connection. Her goal is to help increase protective factors, problem-solving skills (for both child and parent), and positive childhood experiences and decrease childhood mental health issues and behavioral concerns.