Kristina Kerr , LPC

Kristina Kerr brings two decades of experience in mental health to her work, combining formal training and a range of clinical certifications to support people facing addiction, trauma, mood concerns, and relationship struggles. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Butler University and a Master of Counseling from Trevecca University. Kristina is licensed to practice in multiple states - listed as a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in Tennessee and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky - and she holds additional credentials as a Masters Addictions Counselor and a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional, indicating advanced training in substance use and trauma-focused care.

Her clinical background includes extensive work with diagnoses commonly found in the DSM-5, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress, and substance use disorders, as well as concerns that affect daily functioning like low self-esteem, anger, stress, parenting difficulties, and relationship conflict. She approaches each person from a person-centered stance rooted in unconditional positive regard, aiming to create a nonjudgmental environment that honors where an individual is starting from and supports growth at a comfortable pace.

Kristina uses an integrated mix of evidence-based methods to tailor treatment to each client. Her toolkit includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy - in which she has certification - motivational interviewing, stages of change, solution-focused techniques, trauma-focused strategies, and practical coping skills. She blends these approaches to match client preferences and changing needs, emphasizing collaboration and techniques that produce meaningful progress over time.

Approaches for Online Care and Skills-Based Support

Kristina integrates client-centered therapy into her online practice by focusing on empathy, acceptance, and the individual's own goals. This approach helps people feel heard and respected as they explore personal challenges and make changes that matter to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is practical and often helpful for issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - useful for people struggling with intense emotions or impulsivity, and Kristina has specialized certification in DBT.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kristina works with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and she adjusts methods over time so the work fits the client rather than forcing a single model. That flexibility helps clients move at a comfortable pace while trying techniques that may be most effective for their situation.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility - Kristina provides care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, support access for people in different locations including international clients, and allow continuity of care when in-person visits are not possible. Licensed professionals can still build therapeutic rapport and teach coping skills effectively through these formats.