Kristin Kowalski, LCSW
Clinical Director of the Reston Office, Therapist
Gender: Female | Office Location: Reston, Telehealth | States Licensed In: Virginia
Languages: English | Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: LCSW | Age Group: Ages 3+
About Me
With 14 years of experience as a therapist, I have had the privilege of working with children, adults, couples, and families through a wide range of life’s challenges. I believe therapy is most effective when it is individualized, practical, and grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so I want to understand who you are, what you’re experiencing, and what you hope will be different in your life.
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship and family concerns, life transitions, stress, panic attacks, self-esteem concerns, behavioral difficulties, parenting and co-parenting challenges, substance use, and bipolar disorder. I especially enjoy working with people who are navigating relationship concerns, major life changes, parenting or behavioral challenges, anxiety, and depression.
My Approach to Therapy
My style is down-to-earth, conversational, direct, and collaborative—with some fun and humor mixed in. I’m an active therapist. I’ll listen carefully to what you’re experiencing, but I will also provide feedback, help you identify goals, and give you practical strategies to work on between sessions. With children, being active may mean quite literally getting up and engaging with them rather than expecting therapy to look like a traditional conversation.
I believe both your past and present are important. Understanding where patterns, reactions, or beliefs came from can be valuable, but I also want therapy to help you make changes in your everyday life.
My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychoanalytic approaches, client-centered therapy, and play therapy. Rather than choosing an approach simply because of a diagnosis, I tailor therapy to your individual needs, personality, goals, and stage of life.
What to Expect When Working With Me
You may be considering therapy because you’re worrying excessively, feeling overwhelmed, struggling to adjust to a life transition, or having difficulties in your relationships. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you come in.
Our first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, identify your needs and goals, and explore enough of your history to better understand what is happening now.
From there, we’ll work toward both short- and long-term goals. I may also suggest things to practice between sessions so that the work we’re doing together can translate into your everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you work with?
I have experience working with children, adults, couples, and families. My work includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, grief, behavioral concerns, parenting and co-parenting, relationship and family conflict, life transitions, stress, panic attacks, self-esteem, school concerns, substance use, and bipolar disorder.
What is therapy with you actually like?
I’m conversational, down-to-earth, and direct. I use humor, actively participate in sessions, help clients set goals, and often provide strategies or homework to practice between appointments. If you prefer a therapist who does more than simply sit back and listen, we may work well together.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
There isn’t one timeline that works for everyone. We’ll identify your needs and goals and work toward them in both the short and long term. I’ve worked with some clients for several years, while others have come for several months, reached their personal goals, and decided they were ready to continue working on those goals more independently.
What if I’m nervous about starting?
That’s okay. I will meet you where you are. We can start by getting to know one another and identifying what you would like help with. You don’t have to accomplish everything during the first appointment.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
If you enjoy a direct and practical approach to therapy with a bit of fun and humor mixed in, we may be a good fit. I encourage people to give themselves about three sessions with a therapist and then assess how the relationship feels. The goal isn’t simply to stay with the first therapist you meet—it’s to find the fit that allows you to have a positive and productive therapy experience.
A Little More About Me
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, riding horses, and—perhaps unsurprisingly—spending time with animals. I believe connection, balance, and making room for the things that bring us joy are important parts of a healthy and fulfilling life.
I look forward to meeting you where you are and working with you to meet your goals.
Kristin provides in-person appointments at our Reston office, as well as telehealth services for clients who prefer to meet virtually.