Not only is everyone unique, but each of us has positive qualities and strengths. Sometimes it’s difficult to allow those positive qualities and strengths to shine through. I strive to provide you with skills that will assist you in shining bright and allowing yourself to become a better version of you.”
Specialties/Populations
Kristen uses mindfulness, behavioral and person-centered approaches to help her clients heal from a distressing past that is causing conflict in their lives today. She’s trained in EMDR and DBT and uses these approaches to promote a safe and supportive space for her clients.
Kristen has experience working with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and PTSD. She uses strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches to help clients work towards their goals. She works with young adults and adults. She primarily uses EMDR in her sessions and incorporates other modalities such as DBT, strength-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Kristen works towards highlighting her client’s strengths, as well as teaching new skills to help clients live a life that is worth living.
Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in MD, a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in D.C., and a Licensed Professional Counselor in U.S. Virgin Islands.
Trainings/Modalities/Certifications
Previous Clinical Experience
Kristen’s clinical experience started by working in schools and providing emotional support to children and teens. Kristen also has experience working in IOP and PHP settings where she provided crisis and therapeutic support to teens and young adults. More recently, Kristen enjoys working with adults and has experience leading DBT Skills groups for adults.
Education
Kristen received her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed a bachelor of arts in psychology from West Chester University, PA.
To learn more about working with this clinician, please email marygrace@vivapartnership.com for more information.

First Meeting Documents
In preparation for the first visit, you will be asked to fill out the following forms:
Informed Consent
Each of our Clinical Associates is a licensed practitioner. As required by licensure, treatment under a licensed practitioner is confidential. This form explains limitations to that confidentiality required by licensure. It also outlines the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship and co-responsibility for treatment outcomes.
Financial Agreement
This form outlines The Viva Center’s financial policies. Here at Viva, we offer special accommodations to assist with cash flow and to simplify payments. As a professional courtesy, clients opting to pay with a credit card are not billed until the end of the month, although fees are technically due at the time of service. This allows time for insurance to send reimbursement closer to the time of payment.
Client Questionnaire
This form serves 2 purposes: It helps to capture the baseline experience when beginning treatment, allowing for an opportunity to take stock of current status. It also helps the clinician gather important background information without taking extra time in the first session. The first page of this form is required, and the others are supplemental. It is fine to exercise the decision to leave out any areas of the form. Please keep in mind any areas elected not to be disclosed at this time may be relevant to treatment outcomes.
Credit Card Authorization Form
This form is only required if electing to use a credit card to pay for services. Conveniently, this form only needs to be filled out once and is stored securely. Payment with cash or checks is also accepted.