Kristen Buongiorno , LCSW

Kristen Buongiorno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 14 years of clinical experience working across diverse settings. She has supported people facing depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, major life changes, illness and cancer, sexual assault, and Veterans issues including combat-related trauma and military sexual trauma. Kristen is known for combining compassion with directness, creating a therapeutic space where difficult topics can be addressed honestly and respectfully.

Safety is a primary concern in her work, and she prioritizes creating and maintaining safety plans for those who need them. Her approach draws on the connection between thoughts and behaviors using cognitive behavioral techniques, and she integrates mindfulness and meditation practices to help clients find grounding and make self-care more accessible. Kristen views therapy as a collaborative process in which the individual is the expert on their own life, and she partners with people to develop clear, achievable treatment goals.

Kristen has experience with a wide range of concerns including stress, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, addictions, LGBT issues, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating concerns, career challenges, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and caregiver and first responder stress. She also focuses on areas such as abandonment, adoption and foster care, kink and alternative sex culture, body image, cancer-related issues, codependency, infidelity, and life purpose. Her style supports motivated individuals who are ready to make changes and work toward meaningful progress.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Kristen Buongiorno integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques into her online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens deeply and follows the client's lead - this approach helps people gain insight and confidence while navigating personal goals and relationship concerns.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) examines the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and offers practical tools to change unhelpful patterns. CBT can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday difficulties. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple grounding and awareness practices that support emotional regulation and reduce reactivity, which can complement other therapeutic work.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kristen works collaboratively with each person to identify what fits their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors strategies over time so the work aligns with the client’s pace and priorities.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging provide flexibility and easier access to consistent care. These options allow people to engage in therapy from home or other convenient locations, fit sessions into busy schedules, and maintain continuity of support even during life transitions.