Kristen McPherson
Resident in Counseling #0704018199
Kristen was born and raised in southwestern Virginia, where she developed a strong sense of community and an enduring appreciation for resilience. These core values continue to guide her work as a counselor. Her professional journey began in social work, providing vital services to families impacted by child abuse and neglect. As her leadership grew, she participated in multidisciplinary teams, fostering trauma-informed care across systems.
Kristen later transitioned to a nonprofit agency working with adults with intellectual disabilities, where she deepened her dedication to inclusive support and advocacy for neurodiverse individuals. Her passion for community advocacy is reflected in her ongoing involvement at both the local and state levels. Whether serving on local committees, participating in local chapters and divisions of the Virginia Counselors Association, or collaborating with community partners, Kristen is committed to elevating mental health awareness and amplifying the voices of underserved populations.
With over 20 years of experience in human services and a dedicated focus on mental health counseling over the past several years, Kristen offers holistic and compassionate care to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bluefield University, a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Executive Leadership from Liberty University, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Arizona State University. She has received specialized training in Family Centered Treatment, Functional Family Therapy, parent coaching, forensic interviewing, and Casey Life Skills.
Kristen later transitioned to a nonprofit agency working with adults with intellectual disabilities, where she deepened her dedication to inclusive support and advocacy for neurodiverse individuals. Her passion for community advocacy is reflected in her ongoing involvement at both the local and state levels. Whether serving on local committees, participating in local chapters and divisions of the Virginia Counselors Association, or collaborating with community partners, Kristen is committed to elevating mental health awareness and amplifying the voices of underserved populations.
With over 20 years of experience in human services and a dedicated focus on mental health counseling over the past several years, Kristen offers holistic and compassionate care to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bluefield University, a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Executive Leadership from Liberty University, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Arizona State University. She has received specialized training in Family Centered Treatment, Functional Family Therapy, parent coaching, forensic interviewing, and Casey Life Skills.
Kristen’s therapeutic approach centers on the belief that healing occurs through meaningful connection. Practicing from a relational-cultural lens, she integrates expressive arts therapy and mindfulness-based strategies to foster emotional depth, creativity, and insight. She frequently incorporates music, movement, and visual art into her sessions, providing pathways for self-discovery and healing, especially when words alone are not enough.
Clients often describe Kristen as warm, dedicated, and hopeful. She believes in the power of individualized treatment and meets every client where they are, tailoring interventions to reflect their unique identities, goals, and lived experiences. Creating a safe, affirming space where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued is a cornerstone of her practice.
Kristen is deeply committed to ethical practice and approaches each therapeutic relationship with transparency, cultural humility, and deep respect for the trust placed in her. Her clinical expertise includes working with anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and relationship challenges. Her passion for working with at-risk and underserved populations is woven into every aspect of her work.
Outside of the counseling room, Kristen embraces balance and self-reflection. She values the rhythms of life that include rest, creativity, continued learning, and meaningful connection, and encourages clients to pursue the same. At the heart of her work is a sense of gratitude: for the stories entrusted to her, for the resilience she witnesses, and for the opportunity to guide individuals and communities toward healing, growth, and purpose.