Kristin Bartell

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of experience treating a wide range of behavioral health challenges. I have worked extensively with survivors of trauma, as well as individuals who struggle with substance use, anxiety, and mood disorders. Some of the therapeutic modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), among others.

I use a compassionate, judgment-free style to meet clients where they are. My therapeutic approach is typically two-pronged – – I work with my clients to process, reflect, and meaning-make, but also to provide adaptive coping tools. This is why I love to bring DBT skills into our sessions or utilize CBT reframing tools. Giving clients strategies to use in the initial sessions helps not only to mitigate discomfort but also supports a client's growing sense of self-efficacy and capability.

My clients are the experts in their lives. I see myself as a processing partner, a witness, and a question-asker. I encourage my clients to engage their curiosity and view the world from a lens of self-wisdom.

Goal-setting is an important part of therapy. I work with my client in our first few sessions to identify goals and develop plans of action toward achieving them. As we move on the therapeutic journey, we will circle back to reflect on the goals we set and make changes or reaffirm direction when necessary.