A Safe Haven for Healing
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Kristen Christensen (She/Her)
LCSW/Owner
I believe therapy should be a safe and supportive space where you can explore your emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. In our work together, you will have the opportunity to process what you have been through, make sense of your story, and discover new ways to move forward. My goal is to provide a calm and welcoming environment that encourages healing while also allowing space for lightness and connection. I see therapy as a journey we take together, and I believe that walking side by side through this process is the key to lasting growth and healing.
All About Me
I am thrilled to be back in the Chicago area, the community that shaped me both personally and professionally. Nine years ago I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to join an elite team of mental health clinicians who responded directly to police calls involving children who were victims or witnesses of violence and trauma. In partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, child protective services, and other mental health professionals, I coordinated multi-system interventions designed to restore safety, security, and stability in the immediate aftermath of violent events.
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Through this work I developed a specialized skill set as an acute response trauma clinician, supporting clients in their most vulnerable moments. I am nationally certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT) and trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My dedication to trauma survivors and their families has also given me extensive experience with Reunification Therapy (RT).
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Nearly four years ago I was excited to bring Serenity Counseling and Wellness back home to Chicago. Building Serenity here has allowed me to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for community. I value partnering with schools, doctors, and local organizations to expand access to mental health care and create a supportive network for healing. At Serenity I provide trauma informed individual and family therapy, with a special focus on helping children and adolescents navigating the challenges of separated or divorced parents.
Outside the office I love spending time with my husband, daughter, and our two dogs, Jax and Sammy. I am also a proud “KK” to my niece and nephew, and nothing brings me more joy than family time. I have a deep love of travel and enjoy exploring new places whenever I can. When I am not traveling or with loved ones, you will likely find me in the kitchen experimenting with recipes since cooking has become one of my favorite creative outlets.
