- Strengths focused
- Goal driven
- Practical skills
About Kristen
Kristen Kakanis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Tennessee with ten years of professional experience. She centers work on practical concerns like stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, motivation, anger, and the emotional impact of major life changes. Kristen writes and speaks plainly in sessions and aims to make each step toward change feel manageable.
She approaches people as the experts of their own stories and highlights existing strengths. Sessions focus on what is most useful now - building confidence, finding motivation, and managing intense emotions. The tone is supportive and goal-oriented rather than prescriptive.
Kristen draws from several methods to match what a person needs, including client-centered conversations and cognitive techniques that target unhelpful thoughts. She also uses motivational interviewing to strengthen drive for change and solution-focused ideas to set practical next steps. The mix is adjusted to fit each person’s goals.
Parents and caregivers reading this will find a therapist who talks plainly about parenting strain and grief, addictions, relationship stress, and career concerns. Kristen frames challenges as things to work through together, not as permanent labels.
Her sessions emphasize short-term gains and realistic skills people can use between meetings. She supports people who want to reduce overwhelm, improve relationships, or gain clearer direction in work and family life.
How Kristen’s approaches guide online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so the person leads the conversation and defines goals. It helps when someone needs acceptance, clearer self-understanding, and time to sort priorities.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It teaches practical steps to change unhelpful thinking patterns and build coping skills for anxiety, depression, and stress.
Motivational interviewing is a brief, collaborative method that helps people find internal reasons to change. It can be useful for improving motivation around habits, recovery, or goal-directed behavior.
Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Kristen will talk with each person about goals, history, and preferences, then suggest methods to try. She adjusts the plan as progress and needs become clearer.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm which session formats she currently offers before booking. Online options can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time so people can focus on goals. The therapist will work with each person to shape sessions that match their schedule and what they want to work on.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Tennessee
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Kristen commonly address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship strain, anger, addictions, grief, trauma, parenting challenges, career decisions, compassion fatigue, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is supportive and straightforward. She emphasizes the client’s strengths and focuses on practical steps and skills to manage day-to-day problems.
How long has she been practicing?
Kristen has ten years of professional experience working with people on stress, motivation, grief, and related concerns.
What credentials and region are listed?
She holds an LCSW, which is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and practices in Tennessee.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.