Kristen Shepherd, LMSW

Kristen Shepherd is a licensed master social worker with 15 years of experience. She trained at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and spent a decade working in high-needs school settings before moving into individual and couples work. Kristen focuses on helping people strengthen relationships and improve day-to-day functioning.

Kristen aims to build a trusting therapy relationship first. She tailors sessions to each person’s situation and pace. That means practical conversations about communication, boundaries, and coping skills that people can use between sessions.

She often addresses relationship strain, intimacy concerns, and jealousy as part of couple work. Kristen also helps with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar, ADHD, grief, and issues around eating and sleeping. Additional focuses include abandonment, attachment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and blended family concerns.

Her approach draws on attachment-based ideas, client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, emotionally-focused methods, and motivational interviewing. Sessions include identifying patterns, practicing new ways of relating, and setting achievable goals. Kristen emphasizes recognizing the impact of past wounds and learning steps to move forward.

People who appreciate clear guidance and a collaborative style often find this approach helpful. Kristen supports international clients and provides services from Michigan. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Attachment-based work focuses on how early relationships shape current trust and closeness. It helps people understand patterns in their reactions and build more stable connections with partners or others. Client-centered therapy centers on the person in front of the therapist, giving time for listening and helping clients find their own answers through empathy and reflection. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors together, teaching practical exercises to reduce anxiety, change unhelpful thoughts, and improve daily routines.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kristen will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust as progress is made.

The original profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also support work on communication and relationship skills through guided conversations and hands-on practice during sessions.