Welcome! I'm Kristen Ackerman, a licensed marriage and family therapist. It takes courage to seek help and I'm grateful you're here. My specialization lies in supporting individuals through chronic health conditions, particularly inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, highly sensitive traits, and addressing the unique issues faced by teens and young adults. Beyond these four areas, I also support individuals experiencing life transitions, relational difficulties, depression, work and academic challenges, identity exploration, and more. Life presents us with challenges, and sometimes, we need assistance to navigate them. My passion is helping individuals navigate life's complexities with empathy and understanding. I strive to create a space where you can comfortably explore your thoughts and emotions, process experiences, and equip you with coping skills to manage most effectively. My therapeutic approach combines talk therapy with evidence-based practices (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness) to help you achieve your goals and foster meaningful change. I prioritize building an authentic therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, openness, validation, and collaboration. I consider genuine human connection and incorporating laughter as important elements of therapy. As you have your own unique identity and experience, therapy is also tailored to your individual needs. With over 8 years of experience across varying mental health sectors, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to our sessions. If you're ready to take that first step towards your future goals and positive change, I'm here to support you every step of the way! Call or text at 619-333-6139 or email me at info@kristenackermanlmft.com to get started.