We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.
Life is overwhelming and complicated. The responsibilities demanded of us, especially with the speed of today, is so much, and more often than not, the demands are too much to hold and process. Therapy is a place where you can begin connecting, unloading, integrating, and feeling better.
Therapy 101: Humans are innately relational, meaning to survive we have to have community, love, and connection. Emotions are the electricity to life. They are what lights us up. How we relate to emotions either burns us up or sets us free. Emotions happen in the right hemisphere of the brain. Language, speaking, and logic happen in the left hemisphere of the brain. When emotions are left unchecked or when we attempt to process them alone, they often perseverate and direct us in the wrong direction. When we connect with other humans about our emotions–in a safe environment such as with a therapist– the left and the right hemispheres of the brain begin to integrate, process, and heal. I work collaboratively with clients, providing them an opportunity to come back, let go, integrate, and change.
Are you ready to finally give yourself the opportunity to be you again?
The relationship between client and therapist is important. I work to meet clients where they are, paying special attention to creativity and positive human potential. I seek to uncover and establish an empathic, trusting, and comprehensive relationship with each of my clients providing the context for understanding the challenges and difficulties that brings them into therapy.
My clinical work focuses on mind-body awareness (Mindfulness) and interconnection, while also emphasizing mental health wellness not mental illness. This approach is rooted in my academic background with Existential Psychology, Contemplative Psychology and Humanistic Psychology.
I specialize in a variety of areas including: helping heal broken relationships, addiction transformation, LGBTQ+. While I specialize in these areas, I also work with grief, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and eating disorders.
I’ve been to a handful of therapists and psychiatrists and Kristen is one of the most helpful and understanding I’ve worked with.
I give her 5 stars for her human approach to the therapy process. She is genuinely interested in the lives of her patients. And most of all: she truly did help me.
If you’re looking for a great therapist in the valley, look no further!
Dr. Howard guided me back to having a relationship with myself. I am more kind first and foremost to myself, and that kindness is most certainly expanded into my relationships. Each week I looked forward to our appointments and I will miss our tea-time we shared in session each week. Gratitude felt for our work together!