Kristen Shepherd , LMSW

Kristen Shepherd, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), brings 15 years of clinical experience to her work. A 2010 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work, she spent the first decade of her career serving in high-needs school settings before focusing on individual and couples therapy.

Shepherd finds particular reward in partnering with couples to strengthen communication, rebuild intimacy, and increase enjoyment in the relationship. She works with clients of all ages and life situations, treating each person as an individual on a personal journey. Her approach is tailored to meet clients where they are and to identify areas where growth and change are needed.

Trauma-focused care is central to her practice, and she helps clients recognize psychological wounds that may interfere with wellbeing and relationships. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential to Shepherds work, and she emphasizes collaboration and attunement as the foundation for progress. She looks forward to supporting clients as they navigate change, heal from past injuries, and move toward greater resilience and connection.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Kristen Shepherd

Kristen Shepherd integrates several evidence-informed approaches into her online practice. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns of connection and helps clients and couples repair trust and emotional attunement, which is useful for intimacy and commitment concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a compassionate, nonjudgmental stance in which the therapist follows the client’s lead to build insight and self-direction, supporting goals like self esteem and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Shepherd works collaboratively with each person to determine what methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors sessions over time so that treatment evolves with the client.

Online therapy with Shepherd offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and there are options for live chat or text-based messaging when that better suits a client’s schedule or comfort. These remote formats make it easier to maintain consistent care while accommodating work, family, and travel commitments.