- Stress management
- Anxiety support
- Chronic illness
About Kirsten
Kirsten Hughes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado with 10 years of experience. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger, and LGBT-related concerns. She also works with clients facing chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, and young adult life transitions.
Kirsten describes therapy as practical and straightforward. She offers a trauma-informed approach and uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people manage difficult emotions. Sessions focus on identifying patterns, learning concrete skills, and slowing down reactions so anger and stress feel less overwhelming.
People often come to her when they are exhausted from holding everything together or when a past event keeps resurfacing. She helps with problems such as trouble managing anger, ongoing worry, low mood, and the strain of chronic illness. Conversations are direct but respectful, aimed at helping someone notice what keeps getting in the way.
Kirsten pays attention to the things that maintain distress - for example, avoidance, rumination, or unhelpful ways of coping. She works with clients to try new strategies in small steps. That might include practicing breathing and grounding skills, testing different responses to frustration, or pacing activity when pain is a factor.
She aims to help people build practical habits they can use outside sessions. Kirsten encourages honest talk about what is and isn’t working. If someone wants to start, she asks them to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so they can begin shaping a plan together.
How evidence-based techniques translate to online sessions
The biography states Kirsten uses a trauma-informed approach and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. That generally means working with clear, practical methods to help with symptoms like anxiety, anger, and depression. For example, cognitive-behavioral strategies look at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teach different ways to respond to stress or upsetting thoughts.Another common, trauma-informed method focuses on grounding and regulation skills. These are short exercises and practices to reduce intense reactions when anger or panic arises, and they can be practiced between sessions to help with daily challenges. These techniques are useful for people dealing with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, or ongoing emotional strain.
Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to see which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions can include trying a skill, reviewing how it went, and adjusting the plan together so it matches what feels doable.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use breathing or grounding exercises in the moment and then discuss how they worked during the next meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Colorado
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger, and LGBT-related issues, plus chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, and young adult transitions.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach?
Her approach is trauma-informed and uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on skills and practical steps for managing emotions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Kirsten has 10 years of experience working with people facing trauma, mood and anxiety symptoms, and long-term health challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - practicing in Colorado.
Does she work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session to begin.