Kristina Ellen , LCMHC

Kristina Ellen, who often goes by Nicole while Kristina appears on her license, is a holistic counselor who attends to both body and mind to help clients restore balance in their lives. With 19 years in the counseling field and nine years as a licensed counselor, she draws on a wide range of clinical environments including telehealth, inpatient treatment centers, Assertive Community Treatment teams, community health settings, primary care medical offices, and private practice to inform a whole-person approach.

She holds the credential LCMHC - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor - which reflects her formal training and state licensure to provide mental health care. Over the course of her career she has been recognized regionally, receiving nominations for North Carolina Counselor of the Year in 2016 and 2017 and being named one of Brunswick County's Top 10 Young Professionals in 2016.

Kristina tailors therapeutic methods to each individual's needs, drawing from multiple approaches to support goals in a relaxed and comfortable setting. She emphasizes that therapy is a personal journey rather than a fixed timeline, and she seeks to accompany people through that process without imposing arbitrary limits on the duration of care. Her practice addresses a broad range of concerns while focusing on treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms.

Therapeutic Approaches and Flexible Online Care

Kristina frequently uses Client-Centered Therapy, an approach that emphasizes the client's own perspective and strengths. In this method the therapist provides empathy and support while helping individuals explore their values and goals, which can be especially helpful for relationship concerns, self-esteem issues, and life transitions.

She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical approach that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is commonly used for symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress management, and coping with change.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Kristina works with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and personal preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy sessions - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for busy schedules and for those who need care from a distance. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from home or work, and integrate therapy into daily life while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor interventions to each person.