Get to Know Kristina

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Relationships
ADHD
Coping Skills
Sleep or Insomnia
Self Esteem
School Issues
Grief
Family Conflict
Divorce
Behavior Issues
Anger Management

My Approach

I feel that all people can benefit from counseling at one point or another in life. Our world is fast paced which can lead to a high level of stress that often impact ones physical and emotional health. I believe it is important to balance the various aspects of ones life to achieve overall well-being by focusing on self-care, productivity, time with others and fun.

As a counselor, I know that my clients are an expert in themselves and their lives. I seek to get to know my clients and offer opportunities to learn and grow. I believe that people are always capable of change and try to provide a supportive, empathic and client-focused counseling experience that allows people to reach the goals that they identify and set for themselves. My approach encouraged clients to look at how their thoughts, feelings and behaviors interact and work to learn and implement skills and strategies that lead to a more positive and fulfilling life.

My Professional Background

I have worked in an outpatient community mental health clinic where I have had clients from all walks of life and with a vast array of presenting problems. I also have experience in a private practice setting, working in inpatient hospital settings, with a domestic violence agency, and at a chemical dependency treatment center where I was involved with inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient counseling and detox. My approach tends to be a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral, Dialectical-Behavior and Solution Focused Therapies.

Prior to pursuing my degree in counseling, I worked in the schools and at a residential school providing services to individuals with Autism and other special needs. I have extensive experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and had focused on behavioral strategies, skill development, communication skills and working with families to support each other.

Education, Training, and Certifications

BS in Psychology from St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY
MS in Mental Health Counseling from St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY
Mediation & Conciliation
Functional Behavior Assessment
Applied Behavior Analysis
Motivational Interviewing
Narcan training
Vineland, Adaptive Behavior Scale
NYS Mandated Reporter training of Child Abuse, Neglect and Maltreatment
School Violence Prevention & Intervention training

Fun Facts

I live in Northern New York where I am surrounded by nature. I enjoy getting out to see all the beauty the world has to offer, especially when my co-pilot is my rescue pup, Kieran. Kieran is currently training to be a therapy dog. I am passionate about animals and believe they can be important to mental health. I also enjoy cooking, baking and seasonal decorating.