Kristen Shepherd, LMSW

Kristen Shepherd is a licensed master social worker with 15 years of experience. She began her career after graduating from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2010 and spent a decade working in high-needs school settings. Over time she shifted to individual and couple-focused therapy, where she now concentrates on building strong therapeutic relationships. She practices in Michigan and works with adults across a wide range of concerns, including aging and geriatric issues.

She tailors sessions to each person's needs and life stage. Kristen helps people improve communication, manage anxiety and depression, and address trauma or intimacy-related concerns. She also supports people coping with caregiving stress, chronic illness, addiction, and changes that come with aging.

Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She listens first, then helps clients identify patterns that cause pain. Together they pick practical strategies to change those patterns, try them out, and adjust as needed. Sessions often include exploring past attachments and current behaviors.

Kristen uses a mix of approaches including attachment-based work, client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, emotionally-focused methods, and motivational interviewing. She frames trauma-focused care as part of the work when past wounds affect present choices and relationships.

People who prefer a therapist who asks direct questions, offers clear skill-building, and values a strong working relationship may find her approach helpful. She supports international clients and conducts her practice from Michigan. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to availability.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Kristen uses attachment-based work to look at how early connections affect current relationships. That approach helps people understand patterns in closeness, trust, and conflict and is often useful for intimacy and relationship concerns.

She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small changes in behavior. CBT offers concrete skills for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and some eating or impulse concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Kristen works collaboratively to match methods to a person's goals, preferences, and life situation rather than sticking to one method. Together they try strategies, see what helps, and adjust the plan over time.

Session formats were not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins, or reduce travel time. Online work can also make it simpler for international clients to keep continuity of care while living in different places.