

Rooted in my graduate training at the University of Rhode Island, I developed expertise in both general clinical and health psychology. I developed a programmatic line of research in health promotion (adoption and maintenance of multiple health behaviors including exercise, smoking cessation and nutritious eating) with a particular focus on exercise motivation as a gateway to adopting other health behaviors.
During my internship and postdoctoral training at VA Connecticut and VA Boston, respectively, my research evolved towards integrating health behavior change (e.g., exercise adoption and maintenance) with veterans suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain and PTSD. As I learned more about the biopsychosocial model of these medically and psychiatrically complex disorders, my ultimate goal became to help veterans better manage their pain and PTSD symptoms, utilizing health behavior change as a complementary component of their overall treatment program. With this approach, the ultimate goal was to help them improve their overall quality of life and well-being, long-term.
My patient oriented research experience, over the past thirteen years, directly informed my approach to my clinical work with individual patients. In fact, I worked for Newton-Wellesley Eating Disorders and Behavioral Medicine for the past fifteen years. As part of this work, I focused on helping individuals suffering from the full continuum of eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder) to sustain their recovery long-term and achieve "recovery maintenance" through establishment and achievement of additional life goals and to move beyond their "eating disorder" identity to a "whole person" identity to create a more meaningful life post-recovery. Additionally, as part of this practice, I treated patients suffering from anxiety, PTSD, chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression as well as veterans from the community.
My multi-cultural experience and approach have taught me that there are many ways to look at the world and oneself. Your life story is unique, and together, we will explore how to bring about desired changes in your life and relationships. I work with trauma, anxiety and life changes, and have experience both in community and hospital settings.
I bring a calm, steady, and thoughtful presence to the work. Clients often describe me as warm, gently humorous, and intellectually grounded. My practice is shaped by the teachings and wisdom of the Catholic faith, especially its understanding of the human person as a unity of body and soul, created for meaning and made for eternity. I find that many people of faith or traditional backgrounds want a therapist who respects those commitments and won’t dismiss or pathologize them.
I work especially well with anxiety, scrupulosity, family strain, and questions that sit at the crossroads of faith and daily life. I’m not drawn to trends or spiritual fads — I prefer a more timeless, human approach to healing — but clients of any or no religious background are also welcome. Above all, I want you to have a therapeutic space where you feel understood, respected, and able to explore the deeper parts of your story without pressure.
Choosing a therapist can be difficult. I like to help my client feels empowered in an affirming environment to meet their needs and goals.
I’m Kristen, a compassionate and experienced therapist who works with adults navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, substance use, personality disorders, and major life transitions. I bring over six years of experience working in addiction treatment and co-occurring disorders, with a background that includes group homes, crisis centers, and outpatient treatment settings.
The most important part of therapy for me is the relationship. I’m a relational therapist who values trust, safety, and genuine connection. I don’t believe in rushing the process or forcing change before someone feels ready. Therapy works best when you feel seen, respected, and supported and that’s what I aim to create in every session.


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