Kristin

Individual counseling is a deeply personal journey where you work one-on-one with a counselor who truly listens to your unique struggles and experiences. It’s a space where the focus is entirely on you and your needs, whether you're dealing with issues like attachment difficulties, past trauma, low self-esteem, or patterns of pain that have been passed down through generations. The counselor helps you navigate these areas in a safe, non-judgmental environment, guiding you to understand and heal from the wounds that may be holding you back. It’s all about you feeling seen, heard, and supported, while discovering ways to build a stronger sense of self and healthier relationships.

Couples counseling is a therapeutic process where two people in a relationship work with a trained counselor to strengthen their bond, improve communication, and address any challenges they may face. Whether you're dealing with conflicts, intimacy issues, or major life changes, couples counseling provides a safe and supportive space to explore and resolve these difficulties. The counselor helps both partners gain a deeper understanding of each other, improve their connection, and find healthier ways to navigate their relationship.

In the context of ethical non-monogamy (ENM), couples counseling can also address the unique dynamics involved in non-traditional relationship structures. ENM involves consensually engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with others outside a primary partnership, with open communication and mutual respect. This may include open relationships, polyamory, or other forms of consensual non-monogamy. 

Counseling in ENM often includes important discussions around health boundaries, ensuring that all parties are clear on physical and emotional boundaries, including safe sex practices and mental well-being. Additionally, understanding and navigating attachment styles is key, as different attachment patterns can influence how partners relate to one another and to others outside the primary relationship. A counselor can help partners communicate their needs, establish agreements that work for everyone, and address feelings like jealousy, insecurity, or fear of abandonment. The goal is to create a relationship dynamic that is healthy, respectful, and aligned with the values and needs of all involved.

Addiction counseling is a therapeutic process where individuals struggling with substance use or behavioral addictions work with a counselor to understand the underlying causes of their addiction and develop strategies for recovery. It focuses on helping individuals break free from the cycle of addiction by addressing emotional, psychological, and behavioral patterns.

A key aspect of addiction counseling is exploring **attachment bonds**—the emotional connections formed in early life with caregivers. These bonds often influence how a person copes with stress, trauma, and emotional pain later in life. If attachment needs were not met in a healthy way, individuals may turn to substances or behaviors as a way to fill that emotional void or manage difficult feelings. Addiction counseling often involves healing those attachment wounds, building healthier coping mechanisms, and fostering more secure relationships, which can significantly support the recovery process. The goal is to help individuals develop a stronger sense of self-worth, emotional regulation, and healthier connections with others.