Kristen Kakanis, LCSW

LCSW licensed in Tennessee with 10 years of clinical experience, Kristen Kakanis focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, anger, self-esteem, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting, career issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue. Kristen speaks English and works from a view that clients bring important knowledge about their own lives. She uses practical methods to help people address problems and move forward.Kristen believes people already have strengths that can be used to manage challenges. She listens for those strengths and helps clients use them to set concrete goals. Sessions are aimed at helping clients notice what works and try new ways of responding to stress and conflict.In practice Kristen mixes client-centered conversation with structured tools. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going. Motivational Interviewing is used when people feel stuck or unsure about change.Solution-Focused Therapy appears when the aim is to map small, workable steps toward a goal. That approach keeps sessions focused on doable changes and immediate next steps. Kristen keeps language direct and practical and checks in about what is working as therapy proceeds.People who are considering therapy with Kristen should expect an emphasis on collaboration and clear goals. She invites questions about methods and pacing, and helps clients choose strategies that fit their daily life.

How her approaches shape online sessions

Kristen commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy when working with people online. CBT helps identify thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to problems and introduces exercises you can practice between sessions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so clients can make sense of their own priorities and decide what changes matter most.

She also draws on Motivational Interviewing when people feel stuck about making changes. That approach involves careful questions and summaries to clarify motivation and build readiness for action. Together these methods let Kristen balance direct skills practice with collaborative conversation about goals.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Kristen will talk with each person about their situation, goals, and preferences and will adjust methods as needed. She treats the choice of approach as a shared decision and reviews progress along the way.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, remote sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, or avoid travel time. Ask about session length and pacing when you complete the intake questionnaire so sessions match daily routines and goals.