Kristen Miguel, LCSW-R

I view our therapeutic relationship as a partnership in which we both bring valuable experience and knowledge to the table to work through the concerns you wish to address.  I believe our history informs our thought patterns which may influence our present in both helpful and unhelpful ways.  Sometimes our thoughts and behaviors do not align with our intentions and goals.  I will use evidence-based practices to guide our work together.  We will develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your level of readiness, learning style and personal goals.  I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for self-exploration. Together we will learn about how your patterns of thinking and behaviors influence your view of yourself and your relationships.  We will view the world from a compassionate and curious lens that promotes enhanced interpersonal awareness and fosters growth.

 

My Background: I have had the pleasure to work in community mental health for the last twenty years.  My experience includes psychiatric emergency rooms, school-based mental health clinics, and outpatient clinic settings.  During this time, I have had the opportunity to work with and support individuals, couples, and families experiencing numerous mental health symptoms and conditions.  In addition to providing therapy, I have years of clinical supervision experience and have managed multidisciplinary behavioral health organizations. I have watched the needs of the community transform and have been at the table advocating for services to meet the community’s need.  I have collaborated with federal, state, and local government, healthcare regulating bodies, and community health partners; affording me firsthand knowledge of the stressors, demands of your time, and rewards of leading a team or organization.   

 

Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, revealed the five most common themes of regret her patients shared with her: 

• I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

• I wish I hadn't worked so hard.

• I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

• I wish I had stayed connected with my friends.

• I wish that I had allowed myself to be happier and treated myself with compassion.​

 

I would be honored to help you identify and navigate the themes of your life that block your happiness and self-compassion.  You are worth it, and you have what you need within you to navigate life successfully with joy. I will stand by you when you are scared, celebrate your accomplishments, and find pockets of fun and laughter whenever possible! You are on your way to living life as your true authentic self.