Kristen Sanders, MA (she/her/hers)

Kristen Sanders is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Kristen is also a registered art therapist (ATR). Kristen values a person-centered approach to treatment where she and the patient work as a team to address the issues they want to explore. Kristen believes the patient has the answers to their struggles but needs a safe space, support, and guidance, in order to achieve their goals.

Kristen utilizes various evidenced-based approaches to care, such as cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, play, Adlerian, solution-focused, art, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy strategies.

Kristen’s clinical interests include a variety of presenting issues, such as: eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, bipolar disorders, substance use, autism, executive functioning, school and academic issues, career issues, mutism, relationship difficulties, stress management, self-esteem challenges, behavioral challenges, family conflict, as well as social skills struggles.

Background

Kristen has previous clinical experience working in schools, community mental health, and non-profit organizations. Kristen has had experience with a wide range of presenting issues including severe mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as school issues. Kristen earned her Master of Art in Art Therapy degree from Adler University. Kristen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts degree from Edgewood College.

Kristen has furthered her education completing continuing education in the following areas: ethics, basic of mental health disorders, psychotropics, chronic pain, sex education and sexual health, as well as mindfulness techniques.

Kristen is a professional member of the American counseling Association (ACA), American Art Therapy Association (AAIA) and The Healing Power of ART &ARTISTS (HPAA).

Kristen is knowledgeable in many faiths and religions. Kristen identifies as a non-denominational Christian that practices Unitarian beliefs, which accepts people from whatever religion they choose and whatever path they are currently on.

Kristen is a strong ally of body positivity, racial justice, LGBTQIA+, single mothers, blind, HIV/AIDS, immuno-disorders, open relationships and non-monogamy, sex workers, as well as sex positive.