- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
About Kristi
Kristi Rakes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in North Carolina. She has 13 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem struggles, depression, and anger. Kristi also supports people coping with life changes, addictions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, and caregiving strain.
She takes a straightforward, person-focused approach in sessions. Kristi listens to what is most pressing and works with clients to set practical goals. Sessions often include problem-solving, skills practice, and chances to reframe unhelpful thoughts so daily life feels more manageable.
Kristi draws on Client-Centered Therapy to keep conversations focused on the client's concerns. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to stress and anger. Mindfulness methods are introduced to help people notice reactions in the moment and choose alternative responses.
Motivational Interviewing is used when clients want to change habits such as substance use or other behaviors that cause problems. Narrative Therapy helps people examine the stories they tell about themselves and make different meaning from difficult events.
Her work includes many practical topics: communication problems, parenting struggles, intimacy concerns, mood disorders, OCD symptoms, panic, postpartum depression, and issues related to aging and end-of-life care. Sessions aim to build useful skills and clearer options for handling strong emotions like anger.
To begin, prospective clients follow the site's process to match and schedule a first session. Kristi conducts therapy in English and does not take international clients.
How her approaches work for online sessions
Kristi commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy in her work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses conversations on the client's concerns and priorities, helping them set the agenda for change. CBT breaks down thoughts, feelings, and behaviors into practical patterns to adjust, which helps with anger, anxiety, and mood problems. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices so people can notice emotions and choose how to respond rather than react.Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. Kristi collaborates with each person to decide which approaches match their goals and preferences. She will review what helps, try techniques, and adjust plans based on what the client finds useful.
The site asks new clients to use a short matching questionnaire and a scheduling flow to set up sessions. The biography does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm the current online session options before booking. Online appointments can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so sessions are simpler to attend. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and skills practice to work well in remote appointments.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem and anger, plus relationship and addiction concerns and many related issues.
What is her approach in sessions?
She uses practical, person-focused methods including Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Narrative Therapy.
How much experience does she have?
Kristi has 13 years of experience in mental health practice.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LCSW and SC LISW-CP credentials and practices in North Carolina.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to try sessions?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.