KK Portrait of Kristen Kakanis

Kristen Kakanis, LCSW

Supporting practical change and stronger coping skills

10 years in practice · based in Tennessee · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Kristen

Kristen Kakanis is a Tennessee licensed clinical social worker with ten years of experience. She focuses on helping people handle stress, anxiety, anger, and low self-esteem. Kristen supports clients who are facing relationship strain, addiction concerns, grief, trauma, career stress, and life transitions.

She starts by listening closely and treating each person as the expert on their own life. Sessions aim to identify strengths and build practical skills that feel useful day to day.

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Background and approach

Kristen uses straightforward, goal-oriented conversation to help people find what works for them. Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth. She helps clients set small, manageable goals and checks in on progress.

The work can include learning new coping strategies, practicing different ways of thinking, and making action plans for real situations. Kristen often blends problem-focused techniques with an empathetic, person-centered approach. That means attention to immediate concerns and to what each person values.

Over time clients can expect clearer steps toward feeling more confident and in control of everyday challenges. Those looking to start will find a practical focus in sessions. Kristen emphasizes motivation and problem solving while supporting clients through change.

She aims to make therapy a useful part of a client’s life rather than a long list of abstract tasks.

How therapy approaches fit into online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person's lead. The therapist offers empathy and reflection to help people clarify values and make choices, which can be useful for anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It uses simple exercises to test unhelpful thoughts and build new habits, which often helps with stress, anxiety, anger, and mood concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try techniques that match those goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps. That collaborative process makes it easier to pick methods that feel practical and doable.

Online sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls work well for longer conversations and skills practice. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or text messaging can support quick check-ins, brief coaching, or reminders between longer sessions. These formats aim to increase flexibility so people can use therapy in a way that fits their day.
Book with Kristen Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Kristen commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, low self-esteem, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, career stress, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth, combining person-centered listening with practical, goal-focused techniques to build coping skills and motivation.
What is her professional background?
Kristen has ten years of professional experience working in clinical settings and related roles helping people navigate emotional and practical challenges.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing in Tennessee.
Which languages are used for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available online?
Kristen offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled?
Session cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
10 years
Licensed
Tennessee
Languages
English

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