Graduate Level Intern
Pronouns: She/Her
Kristin, a queer, neurodivergent counseling intern, is diligently working on her master’s in clinical counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. When she isn’t making flashcards and writing research papers, she is usually hiking through the enchanted forest, playing ball with her service dog, Izzy, or cuddling with her little dog, Piper. As a bibliophile, Kristin loves to immerse herself in an exhilarating YA novel. She is a creative, so painting, writing, and drawing are ways she practices self-care, along with binge-watching her favorite show, Gilmore Girls.
She holds a B.A. in English/creative writing. As a lifelong “journaler,” she encourages her clients to explore their internal worlds through writing, wrapped with the belief that words are a form of art that connects us to the deepest parts of pain, where the mind is often afraid to go. This allows time to process internal thoughts and dialogue through a creative modality.
Kristin is impassioned with providing a therapeutic environment that embodies safety, acceptance, and listening with intention. As an advocate for social justice, she wants her clients to know that no matter who they are and what their experiences have been, they deserve to feel safe, and that safe spaces are vital to healing. Bessel A. van der Kolk says, “being able to feel safe with other people is probably the most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” Kristin’s desire is for every client to feel validated and supported in their feelings of safety. With a strong focus on breaking the chains of generational trauma, she counsels through a family systems lens, incorporating trauma-focused cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused techniques. She utilizes art, play, and other creative, therapeutic approaches in sessions.
Kristin enjoys working with littles, tweens, and teens, and she offers support to the grownups who care for them. She holds space for clients who have experienced religious trauma and abuse while coming out as LGBTQIA in conservative environments, and she offers guidance to those who are feeling stuck in trauma, anxiety, and depression, and the complexities of ADHD. Therapy is not a “one size fits all” technique. She asks for each client to show up in whatever way resonates with their path, and she will meet you, and affirm your lived experiences in that safe space.
2850 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 310
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
“I went home and practiced what Dr. Amy taught me…and it worked!”
— 8-year-old coaching client“Dr. Amy is like Oprah – she’s the neighbor you love who is very, very smart”
— Parent of 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter“Dr. Amy knows how to relate to children and make them feel comfortable. My son was shy in the beginning but Amy asked him a couple of questions about what he likes and immediately found a connection with him. He happily followed her into the office (just after a 3 min of conversation) and performed the test. He wasn’t nervous or scared and it’s because of her ability to relate to kids.
We had a great experience and he wants to go back! Thank you very much!”
— Dad of 5-year-old assessment client“Supporting the mental health of the kids and teens in our community is one of the most challenging and also one of the most important jobs anyone could have. And I see your team doing it with both skill and enthusiasm.Our family could not be more fortunate to have found your practice 3 years ago.
Our kids are growing up but we still keep your number on our phone and we know we can reach out to your team if we need it. We tell everyone who asks about the WISE people at The Wise Family.
Thank you for doing what you do for so many people.”—from the parent of two former clients (siblings)
— Parent of two former clients (siblings)
