Kristi Rakes , LCSW, LISW-CP

Kristi Rakes brings a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to supporting people through stress, grief, anxiety, depression and major life changes. With 13 years of clinical experience, she blends empathy with practical strategies to help individuals identify strengths during vulnerable moments and work toward meaningful change. She approaches care from a holistic perspective, attending to emotional, relational and situational factors that affect wellbeing.

Kristi is credentialed as an LCSW and an LISW-CP - Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Social Worker in clinical practice - and she draws on extensive training in mental health diagnosis, end-of-life care, and women’s issues. She uses strength-based methods alongside evidence-informed techniques such as cognitive behavioral approaches, motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices and narrative work to address a range of concerns including trauma, relationship and family challenges, addiction, parenting strains and mood disorders.

Clients can expect a respectful, collaborative atmosphere in which Kristi helps them clarify goals, build coping skills and explore values and identity. Her intent is to help people recognize their inherent worth, find resilience in their abilities, and move toward a more hopeful, sustainable future.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Kristi frequently integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices into online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, accepting environment in which the person’s own goals and values guide the work, which can be helpful for building self-esteem and clarifying life purpose. CBT offers practical, structured techniques to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, often useful for anxiety, depression and stress. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and acceptance skills to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, which can support coping with grief, trauma responses and ongoing mood concerns.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Kristi works collaboratively with each person and with other licensed professionals as needed to tailor methods to individual needs, goals and preferences, adjusting the plan over time based on what proves most helpful.

Online sessions offer flexibility and easier access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and engage in consistent work from a location that is convenient for the client.