Theoretical Orientation
Relational, Person-Centered
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Family Systems
Multicultural
LGBTQ+ Ally
About Me
I have lived in Oregon since 2006. As an active person and outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy hiking, yoga, kickboxing, cycling, and paddle sports. I spend my time relaxing with my husband, friends, family, and 7-year-old adorable black Labrador mix. I enjoy traveling and have been able to explore Africa, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Don’t worry…Australia and Antarctica are on the list!
I have been practicing therapy since 2009 and working in mental health services since 2001. I received my Master’s in Applied Psychology in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Oregon University in 2009 and my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2003. I have worked in a variety of therapeutic environments including a sub-acute hospital for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, a residential treatment program for adolescents, treatment foster care for children and youth, community-based services for families in crisis, foster care settings for children, youth, and young adults, outpatient mental health for adults, and in clinical research for youth and young adults struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors.
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oregon. My license is registered under Kristen Semelsberger. License number is C5039.
My Style of Counseling
I am a person-centered therapist. I believe in a collaborative, straightforward approach while demonstrating compassion and empathy with my clients. I do not believe that I have a magic wand that will fix things. And in fact, it is my belief that we are the experts of our own lives. Sometimes, we just need a little help from an unbiased person who can help put things in perspective.
When we first meet, I will ask questions about you, your current needs and struggles, your lifestyle, how those needs and/or struggles are impacting your daily life, and your goals for counseling. Therapy is a process; I do not believe that you need to spend your life in counseling. I believe that certain events and transitions may cause temporary distress in people’s lives. Therapy is a place to identify these stressful situations, become more mindful about our responses to them, and move toward making change that will ultimately make life more enjoyable.
I have long-term experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, crisis, and family systems. I strive to practice with a multicultural lens and consider myself an ally to LGBTQIA+ folks.