Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Cairns.
Hi Kristen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have wanted to be a counselor for as long as I can remember. I have always been the person others feel comfortable confiding in and the one who knows everyone’s story. Majoring in psychology and attending graduate school for counseling felt like natural choices.
My first job after graduate school was at an eating disorder treatment center, where I gained invaluable experience working at a higher level of care. I provided individual counseling, group therapy, and meal support, and I deeply enjoyed supporting individuals seeking recovery. Through this work, I also recognized how often eating disorders co-occur with childhood trauma or other adverse childhood experiences.
I opened my private practice in 2018 and pursued additional training in EMDR, a trauma-focused modality. Following my own experience with postpartum anxiety, I sought specialized training in pregnancy- and postpartum-related disorders. I am passionate about supporting new (and second-, third-, and fourth-time!) mothers as they navigate these transitions. I love the variety of clients I work with and feel honored to be part of their journeys.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning to run a business was a challenge. My education was in psychology, with a minor in child development, and I had very little background in business operations. I enjoy working with people more than numbers and logistics. Navigating the practical aspects of private practice, including leasing office space, scheduling, billing, and an overwhelming amount of paperwork, was one of the biggest initial hurdles I faced.
Private practice can also be isolating, especially after working in a treatment center with a built-in community of colleagues. I have had to be intentional about networking and seeking out opportunities for consultation, connection, and professional growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in working with individuals with eating disorders, childhood trauma, and pregnancy/ postpartum challenges. These are the 3 areas in which I am most known and have the most professional experience. That said, I work with a wide range of presenting concerns and diagnoses, and the variety is one of my favorite aspects of private practice.
I am deeply honored by personal referrals and have grown through working with clients across a broad range of diagnoses. I sometimes tell clients that there is little they could say that would shock me; I’ve likely heard it before. I believe the most important component of effective counseling is the therapeutic relationship. Effective training, credentials, and clinical skills are important, but a client’s sense of safety and feeling truly understood is often the catalyst for progress. It’s important to me to cultivate an atmosphere of trust and safety (along with some humor!) for my clients!
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I loved school, reading, spending time with friends, and going to the beach. I was naturally curious and drawn to understanding people’s emotions and stories. I preferred close friendships and intentional conversations over surface-level relationships. My family took a yearly trip to the beach, and I still remember the tangible sense of calm I felt each year when we arrived. The beach was, and still is, my favorite place, and many of my happiest memories are tied to it.
Looking back, I can see how much of who I was as a child has carried into adulthood. I still love reading and would happily be a lifelong student. Relationships remain one of my highest values, and I continue to prefer a small circle of close friends and meaningful conversations. Now, as an adult with children of my own, we still take a yearly beach trip—and it’s still my favorite week of the year!
Pricing:
- $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kristencairnscounseling.com
