Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapist in Surprise, AZ
Counseling by Kristen is a private practice dedicated to providing individualized mental health therapy for clients navigating trauma, mood disorders, addiction, relational challenges, and LGBTQIA+ issues. Founded on principles of client-centered care, our approach integrates evidence-based modalities like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems to foster healing and self-discovery. With over a decade of experience at The Meadows, a renowned inpatient treatment facility, our lead therapist brings deep expertise in trauma resolution and nervous system regulation.We prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients actively participate in their therapeutic journey through both session work and at-home practice. Our services extend to guided meditation resources and personalized journals designed to enhance emotional well-being. Located in Surprise, Arizona, we offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules while maintaining a commitment to ethical, transparent care.
Services
Trauma Counseling
Individual Therapy
LGBTQIA+ Support
Addiction Counseling
Somatic Experiencing
Highlights and features
- 10 years of clinical experience at The Meadows treatment facility
- Specialized training in trauma resolution and nervous system regulation
- Integrates multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities
- Focus on LGBTQIA+ affirming mental health care
- Client-centered approach with flexible evening/weekend availability
Associations and certifications
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
Services
Trauma Counseling
Specialized trauma resolution using EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Addresses PTSD symptoms and developmental trauma through evidence-based techniques that reprocess traumatic memories. Helps clients regulate nervous system responses while building emotional resilience and restoring healthy relationships with self and others.
LGBTQIA+ Support
Affirming mental health care for LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating identity exploration, discrimination stress, or gender transition challenges. Combines trauma-informed approaches with cultural competence to address anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties while fostering self-acceptance and community connection.
Somatic Experiencing
Nervous system regulation technique that resolves trauma through body awareness. Uses felt-sense exploration to complete incomplete stress responses, reduce chronic tension patterns, and restore social engagement capacity. Particularly effective for developmental trauma and complex PTSD symptoms.
Addiction Counseling
Holistic treatment for substance use disorders and behavioral addictions using Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy model. Addresses underlying trauma contributing to addictive patterns while developing healthier coping mechanisms. Integrates relapse prevention strategies with emotional regulation techniques.
EMDR Therapy
Accelerated trauma processing using bilateral stimulation to reconsolidate distressing memories. Reduces emotional charge from past experiences while fostering adaptive beliefs and cognitive insights. Effective for single-incident trauma, chronic anxiety, and performance enhancement.
People
Kristen Burnsmith
Licensed Professional Counselor
Graduated from Ottawa University in 2014 with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling specializing in Trauma. Has 10 years of clinical experience at The Meadows treatment facility. Specializes in trauma resolution, LGBTQIA+ mental health, and nervous system regulation using evidence-based modalities.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I integrate EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tailored to each client's needs.
Do you specialize in LGBTQIA+ counseling?
Yes, I provide affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals addressing identity exploration and discrimination-related stress.
What are your session availability?
Monday evenings and Saturday appointments available with limited weekend availability for private practice clients.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as an out-of-network provider offering flexible payment options and superbill receipts for insurance reimbursement.
