- ACT techniques
- CBT tools
- Mindfulness practice
About Kristina
Kristina MacDonald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York with eight years of practice. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, low self-esteem, career pressure, depression, addictions, grief, anger, and other concerns. Kristina also addresses issues connected to ADHD, trauma, intimacy, and life transitions.
She keeps sessions straightforward and practical. Conversations focus on what feels most urgent - angry outbursts, simmering resentment, trouble communicating, or feeling overwhelmed at work. Sessions look at thoughts, behaviors, and the situations that trigger strong reactions, then test small changes that can make daily life easier.
Kristina blends several approaches depending on what the client needs. That can include cognitive behavioral techniques to notice unhelpful thinking, acceptance and commitment ideas to clarify values, and mindfulness practices to reduce reactivity. She also uses motivational interviewing and client-centered methods to support decisions and build momentum.
Her background includes work with relationships and cultural differences, including partners navigating differing backgrounds and expectations. The focus is on practical skills for communication, setting boundaries, and managing emotion in close relationships.
Kristina talks plainly about goals and progress. Sessions often include homework between meetings so new ways of handling anger or stress get practiced in real life. She asks about what matters to each person and helps pick approaches that fit those goals.
Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions
Kristina commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in sessions. ACT focuses on clarifying what matters to you and learning to take action consistent with those values even when difficult emotions arise. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns.She also uses mindfulness techniques to help reduce reactivity and increase awareness of physical and emotional signals. These approaches are aimed at helping people manage anger, anxiety, low mood, and relationship stress in everyday life.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to choose methods that match a person's goals, needs, and preferences. That might mean trying brief behavioral experiments one week, then practicing acceptance or mindfulness skills the next, and checking what helps most.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow short check-ins when needed. The focus is on practical strategies you can use between meetings to handle anger and stress more effectively.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps adults with stress, anxiety, relationship conflict, depression, addictions, anger, grief, ADHD, and related concerns.
What style of therapy does she use?
Her approach mixes acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral tools, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and client-centered work.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Kristina has eight years of experience working with adults on emotion regulation, relationships, and life changes.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensed in New York and practices from that location.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; she works with clients within her licensed jurisdiction.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.