- Addictions
- CBT strategies
- DBT skills
About Kristen
Kristen Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida with 27 years of professional experience. She works with adults who are struggling with problems such as addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, relationship and intimacy concerns, and difficulties with work-life balance.
She describes clients as the experts in their own stories and focuses on the strengths people already have. Sessions are practical and grounded. The therapist helps clients notice patterns that keep them stuck and build small changes that add up.
Kristen uses straightforward techniques drawn from client-centered work, cognitive behavioral tools, and DBT skills. That means talking through what matters most, testing new ways of responding, and practicing concrete skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
She also supports people facing grief, parenting strains, ADHD, bipolar challenges, and identity-related stress in LGBT communities. Additional focuses include attachment and family of origin issues, abandonment, and issues connected to adoption and foster care.
People can expect a collaborative style that balances listening with practical suggestions. The therapist helps set clear goals and checks progress along the way. This is aimed at reducing anger flare-ups, easing persistent worry, and improving how someone connects with others.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the client. Online sessions let the therapist and client talk through personal priorities and decide what to work on next. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses exercises to test different responses; it helps with anxiety, depression, anger, and unhelpful thinking patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, which can reduce repeated angry reactions.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works with the person to choose which methods to use based on goals, needs, and preferences. This is a collaborative effort where strategies are adjusted over time if something is not helping.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and remove travel time. Talk with the therapist about what will fit daily life and responsibilities so sessions are realistic and usable.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does she address related to anger?
She works with anger alongside issues like addiction, relationship problems, trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress. Anger is treated as one of several emotional responses that relate to these concerns.
What is her therapy style like?
She practices a practical, collaborative approach that centers the client's story. Expect listening combined with concrete techniques and skill practice.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 27 years of professional experience working with adults on a wide range of concerns. That background includes work with trauma, addictions, and relationship issues.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor - FL LMHC - and practices in Florida.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific rates depend on the chosen service plan and location.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the platform.