Kristen Shepherd, LMSW

Kristen Shepherd is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) with 15 years of practice. She graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2010 and moved from high-needs school settings into one-on-one and couples work. Kristen focuses on building honest, steady relationships with the people she meets. Her style is direct and relational. She spends time understanding each person's story and current struggles. Sessions aim to improve communication, strengthen intimacy, and help clients manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and other concerns. Kristen also supports people facing trauma, grief, addiction, and life transitions. She uses a mix of approaches to match what a client needs. That can include attachment-focused work to map relationship patterns, emotionally-focused skills to address closeness and hurt, and cognitive-behavioral tools for managing thoughts and actions. Motivational methods help when clients want to change habits or cope with addictive patterns. Kristen works with individuals and couples across a wide range of issues, including intimacy-related concerns and sexual dysfunction. She tailors each plan to the person's goals and pace, and she emphasizes practical steps clients can use between sessions. Clients who want a collaborative guide will find a steady clinician who prioritizes trust. Kristen invites people to bring their questions and to try small experiments that make everyday life feel more manageable and connected.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Attachment-based work looks at how early relationship patterns affect current connections. It helps people notice habits that shape trust and closeness, and then practice new ways of relating. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's experience. It helps clients feel heard and move at their own pace while setting goals that matter to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact and gives concrete steps to change unhelpful patterns. Finding the right approach is part of the process. Kristen collaborates with clients to pick methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort. She may blend strategies so sessions fit both short-term concerns and deeper relationship work. Confirm the specific session options before you book so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life - it can reduce commute time, allow for shorter check-ins during a workday, or make it simpler to include partners who live apart. Many people find that practical exercises, communication practice, and tracking small changes work well in remote sessions when scheduled thoughtfully.