Kristen Gaughan , LPC

Kristen Gaughan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with 23 years of clinical experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings with a broad range of clients, developing deep experience treating mental health concerns as well as substance use and process addictions such as gambling, eating, sex, and spending disorders.

Her interest in counseling began early in life and has grown into a sustained professional vocation. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from York College of Pennsylvania with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and double minors in Criminal Justice Corrections and German, and she holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. This educational background supports her work across complex presentations and diverse client needs.

Kristen approaches counseling with a commitment to helping people find greater peace, joy, and contentment in their lives, and she strives to assist each person in living their healthiest life. Please note that due to the nature of the Betterhelp.com platform, she is unable to write letters on clients' behalf.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Kristen integrates client-centered therapy, emotionally-focused work, and motivational interviewing into her online practice. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, helping individuals explore their values and strengths so they can move toward goals and greater self-understanding. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on emotions and attachment patterns, which can be especially useful for relationship concerns, intimacy-related issues, and healing from loss or abandonment. Motivational Interviewing is a practical, supportive method for resolving ambivalence about change and is often applied when addressing addictions or readiness for behavior change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kristen works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best align with their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaboration helps shape session focus and pacing so the work feels relevant and achievable.

Online therapy with Kristen is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and circumstances. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care across locations and time zones and to choose the format that best supports a client’s comfort and practical needs.