Welcome to Relationship Uplift! My name is Kristin and I am a licensed clinical psychologist that obtained my professional degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Formally trained as a generalist, I find that I work from an integrative lens, naturally leaning towards a client-centered, strengths-based perspective. Often, I like to integrate aspects of Interpersonal Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy in to my work with both individuals as well as couples. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and appropriate challenge are often integrated as well, assisting couples to live in accordance with their values, obtain a sense of life meaning and purpose, and develop a greater understanding of their own life narrative as well as the story they want to tell regrading their relationship moving forward.
Although I began my professional training and work in college counseling, I have always had a passion for working with couples. I would meet with couples sporadically at first, gaining experience, understanding, and wisdom to the complexities of relationships. I enjoyed observing and assisting with promoting both intrapersonal as well as interpersonal dynamics. Once I made the switch to private practice, couples counseling became a passion. I trained myself to be a level 1 and level 2 certified Gottman therapist and continued my passion for this work through assisting couples as often as possible. I found that many individuals I met with actually presented with relationship concerns. Yet, many struggled to get their partner to agree to join them for therapy. I used this as an opportunity to learn more about the complex issues, dynamics and concerns that surface in intimate relationships and worked diligently to develop my craft in helping these couples progress.
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and two kids as well as my basset hound, Lola. I dabble in all things related to exercise and nutrition and enjoy getting time outside for walks and exploring new places. I continue to work toward getting back in to reading for enjoyment, finding that I lost that skill after graduate school.
But, enough about me. . . I am excited that you have found yourself to this blog and hope that you find the little nuggets of wisdom needed to move your relationship to the next level. Whether it be deeper connection, better communication, patience, etc., we all want to feel connected and understood by our partners and work towards continuous growth and improved connection.