Kristen Buongiorno , LCSW

Kristen Buongiorno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 14 years of clinical experience. As an LCSW she has completed advanced training in clinical social work and holds a professional license to provide psychotherapy and clinical support to individuals facing emotional and life challenges.

She has worked with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, major life transitions, illness and cancer, sexual assault, and Veterans issues such as combat-related trauma and military sexual trauma. Her background includes work with diverse populations across multiple settings, offering experience with both individual and relational difficulties.

Kristen combines a compassionate and direct therapeutic style with a clear focus on safety. She routinely emphasizes safety planning when it is needed and is willing to address difficult topics rather than avoid them. Her clinical work is grounded in the connection between thoughts and behaviors - drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy - and she integrates mindfulness and meditation practices to help people stay grounded and prioritize self-care. She frames therapy as a collaborative process in which the client is the expert and the clinician supports the development of clear, achievable treatment goals.

Kristen commends those who decide they are worthy of better and are ready to make changes. She offers focused, practical support and looks forward to meeting people as they move forward on their journey.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Kristen Buongiorno

Kristen integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered work, and mindfulness practices into her online practice. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression and to build more effective coping strategies. Client-centered therapy emphasizes collaboration and respect for the client's expertise about their own life - the therapist offers support, reflection, and guidance while the client shapes treatment goals. Mindfulness therapy involves simple grounding and meditation exercises to increase present-moment awareness and support stress management and emotional regulation.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Kristen works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. The emphasis is on practical tools and shared decision-making between therapist and client.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, to continue care through life changes, and to use the communication style that feels most comfortable. Licensed professionals can adapt interventions for each format so therapy remains focused and effective.