Meet Kristen
Kristen Harris, LMSW, CAADC, ADS, EMDR, CFNC
Hello, my name is Kristen!
Therapeutic Style and Approach
If you’re looking for a therapist who just nods and asks, “How do you feel about that?” I might not be the right fit. My approach is interactive, honest, and free of sugar-coating—something my clients find refreshing and empowering. Our work will center on self-empowerment, radical acceptance, and authentic connection. Using strength-based, solution-focused methods with insights from neuroscience, we’ll explore your stories, triumphs, struggles, and hopes. Some sessions will bring laughter, others may bring tears, but every step will move us closer to discovering the real you. This is your journey—let’s walk it together.
Break-ups can feel soul-crushing, trauma deeply dehumanizing, and learning to love and trust ourselves exhausting. I work with clients facing low self-esteem, anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, self-sabotage, eating disorders, co-dependency, and trauma. If you're navigating any of these, I’d be honored to walk with you through your healing.
In our sessions, we’ll adopt a holistic, collaborative approach, which means I will be very interactive throughout our work together. You are the expert on your own experiences, and I will help guide you through the hurt, pain, and trauma you may be facing. My role is to support you as we explore these challenges together, fostering a safe space for healing and growth.
A Little About Me:
Life has thrown a few curveballs my way, including several chronic illnesses, which has given me a unique perspective and a lot of empathy for clients facing their own health struggles. I get it. I’m also the proud pet parent to three cats (who think they own the place) and two Basenjis—yes, the barkless wonders! I love rotating which one of my pups joins me at the office as a therapy dog—because who doesn't need a little doggy love to brighten their day? When I’m not working, you’ll find me out and about, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, or just strolling with my dogs, soaking in the outdoors. I'm also all about mindfulness, meditation, and Zen vibes—whatever helps keep life grounded. I share my home with my wonderful husband and no kids—just our furry crew! Having been through my own food struggles, I can truly relate to those navigating eating disorders or disordered eating. My goal is to offer a warm, welcoming space where you can feel understood and supported as you work toward healing.
Work Experience, Education and Certifications
I am a graduate of Western Michigan University, where I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, along with a graduate certificate in the Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SPADA). I hold the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certificate from MCBAP, which I obtained while working in a substance abuse facility shortly after completing my degree.
With experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, I have worked with a diverse range of conditions and populations. My passion lies in helping clients achieve their interpersonal goals, empowering them to live life to its fullest potential.
I am trained in several therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and Sex Therapy (2025). Additionally, I am a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (2024). These evidence-based approaches allow me to address a wide range of issues, from trauma and anxiety to relationship challenges and sexual health concerns. By integrating these modalities and a holistic perspective on nutrition, I provide a personalized therapeutic experience that empowers clients to uncover deeper insights, heal from past experiences, and foster healthier relationships with themselves and others.
I am also certified by NADA as an Acudetoxification Specialist and offer Auricular Acupuncture during session as an added service to help with many mental and physical aliments.