Educational and Professional Background:
Kristen Lawrence, LMHC, CMHS, received her Master’s in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University in Seattle, and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Washington. She’s had post-graduate training in trauma-informed therapy, play and art therapy, grief and loss, cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectic behavioral therapy, family systems, couples therapy, Polyvagal-informed therapy, Mindfulness, and Neurodivergence.
Kristen worked in schools for 15 years, providing individual, family, and group counseling to children and teens, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, behavior issues, Neurodivergence, substance use, and grief and loss. Kristen helped create a collaborative and comprehensive counseling program to meet the needs of students living in a rural setting. Before that, Kristen worked as a Child and Family Therapist with Catholic Community Services, earning her Child Mental Health Specialist certification. Kristen has years of experience providing individual counseling to youth and adults, as well as parental support and counseling in community health in Seattle, Whidbey Island, and Bellingham.
Areas of Interest:
- Working with children and adolescents struggling with low self
esteem, anxiety, difficulties at school, depression, as well as grief and
loss. - Parental counseling and coaching.
- Guiding and supporting children, teens, and adults experiencing grief
and loss and during times of transition. - Teaching skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
- Supporting families of First Responders.
- Working with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults.
- Narrative therapy.
- Walk and Talk therapy.
Personal Statement:
I draw on a variety of approaches and techniques to meet the needs of each individual client. I have a collaborative, compassionate style combined with an active problem-solving approach to support the goals of each individual.
I strive to create a safe place for clients to gain greater clarity and insight into their own lives, while promoting their use of mindfulness, problem-solving, and acceptance in their personal transitions and transformations.
Insurance:
I am in the process of becoming credentialed with various Insurance plans. At this time, I accept Premera Blue Cross, Aetna, Kaiser, Regence, United Healthcare Community Plan, and Molina. I also accept private pay and will notify you once I am an In-Network provider with your insurance. I can provide a super-bill upon request.