Hi, I’m kirsten Van Wingerden, LMHC

Does it feel like something just isn't quite right in your life? Like you are working so hard to maintain a "normal" life and you are burning out? Yeah…I’ve been there…This experience led me to explore my mental health which then led to my passion for helping others do the same.

This passion for mental wellness led me to pursuing my Masters in Mental Health Counseling, after an undergraduate degree in pre-medicine Biology. My understanding of human biology informs my work as a counselor and helps my clients that have suffered from body-based trauma.

I have worked within community mental health, group practice and now have resided in the private practice field over a year.

In my free time you can find me running trails, practicing yoga, spending time with my rescue dog (Neo), volunteering within my spiritual community and traveling to sunny locations to escape the Pacific Northwest Grey!

My Approach

I utilize a trauma-informed approach to therapy focused on:

  • Somatic Experiencing

  • Family Systems

  • EMDR

  • The Gottman Method

  • Lifespan Integration

Lifespan Integration is a gentle form of teasing trauma out of the body and creating safety in one’s attachment to self. It can help with complex PTSD and attachment wounding. If you have experienced trauma in childhood, Lifespan is a helpful resource in the healing journey.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences

Couples

I use Gottman Counseling in therapy with couples to help improve communication and learn how to have conflict well.

Individuals

I work with teen girls, and adult individuals that are seeking to heal symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Trainings

  • Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Certification Program - Presently training

  • EMDR Basic Training with Stacy Stoddard - January-March 2024 (6 days of training and 10 consultation hours)

  • EMDR & Parts Work for Treating Complex Trauma By Arielle Schwartz - August 2023

  • Law & Ethics Training - Completed April 2023

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 - Completed March 2023

  • Lifespan Integration Levels 1 & 2 - Completed January 2023

  • Family Systems Therapy - Completed July 2022