- Relationship focused
- Trauma informed
- Practical strategies
About Kristen
Kristen Shepherd is a licensed master social worker who began her career after graduating from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2010. She spent the first decade working in high-needs school settings before shifting to one-on-one and couples work. Kristen has 15 years of experience helping people navigate difficult life moments and relationship struggles.
Her style is straightforward and relational. She focuses on building trust first, then helps people identify patterns that get in the way of better communication and connection. Sessions emphasize practical steps and clearer ways to talk with partners or family members.
Kristen uses several therapy approaches to match a person’s needs. She draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationships shape current responses. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. Emotionally focused work guides conversations about closeness and trust in relationships.
Many clients bring stress, anxiety, grief, or trauma histories to therapy, and Kristen offers trauma-focused care when it is needed. She also helps with issues such as parenting strain, sleeping and eating concerns, addiction, ADHD, and mood disorders. Kristen adapts her work to each person’s situation and goals.
Her practice aims to be collaborative. She meets people where they are, helps name what matters most, and supports steady changes over time.
How therapy approaches guide online work
Kristen uses attachment-based work to look at how early relationship patterns affect current feelings and behaviors, which helps with intimacy, trust, and relationship struggles. Client-centered therapy places the person’s experience at the center of sessions, letting conversations move at a comfortable pace and helping clients feel heard. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and manage everyday stress.Picking the right approach is a shared process. Kristen talks with people about their goals, tries different methods when needed, and adapts the plan as progress is made. She aims to match techniques to each person's needs and preferences rather than using a single method for everyone.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know what is offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, cut down on travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people keep continuity of care if they move or travel. Discuss format details when you schedule so sessions work with your daily life and goals.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Kristen commonly address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and sleeping problems, addiction, ADHD, depression, and bipolar symptoms.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is relational and practical. She focuses on building trust, clarifying goals, and using hands-on strategies to change thinking and behavior.
How much experience does she have?
She has 15 years of clinical experience, including ten years in high-needs school settings and subsequent work with individuals and couples.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and she is located in Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English, and she also accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking to learn which formats are offered for your situation.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.