Kristen Kakanis, LCSW

Licensed in Tennessee · 10 years in practice

Kristen Kakanis is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Tennessee with ten years of experience.

License and registration

LCSW, Tennessee: 6537 · expires August 2026
NPI: 1457870529 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 10
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Kristen

Kristen Kakanis is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Tennessee with ten years of experience. She focuses on practical, down-to-earth support for people dealing with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and life changes. Kristen aims to make the first steps toward change feel manageable and hopeful.

Her approach centers on the client's own story and strengths. She treats the person in front of her as the expert on their life and looks for realistic ways to move forward.

Background and approach

Sessions are straightforward and goal-oriented, so progress can be felt between meetings. Kristen uses techniques from client-centered work, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused conversations. That mix helps people spot unhelpful patterns, build motivation, and try small experiments that can make daily life easier.

She adapts tools to match each person's pace and needs. She has helped people manage anger, cope with grief, address addictive behaviors, and handle compassion fatigue. Parents and those juggling career or major life transitions can expect practical strategies to reduce overwhelm and improve daily functioning.

Kristen keeps sessions warm but focused on what will help now. People who come to Kristen often want clear steps and steady support. She works to create a space where clients feel heard and can practice new ways of managing stress and relationships.

Her goal is to make change feel doable, one step at a time.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Kristen lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Depression
Addictions
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Parenting issues
Career difficulties
Coping with life changes
Compassion fatigue

Approaches Kristen names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How Kristen’s Approaches Work Online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building on each person's strengths. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects understanding, and helps people find their own solutions. This approach is useful when someone needs space to make sense of their feelings and choices.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. In sessions, Kristen helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes to test new ways of coping. CBT is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Finding the best approach is part of the work together. Kristen will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped before. She aims to match techniques to the person's needs and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexible options like video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and deeper work, phone calls work when bandwidth is limited, and chat or text can be useful for quick check-ins or when writing feels easier. These formats help people fit sessions into busy days and keep momentum between meetings.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does Kristen help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger, self-esteem, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, career questions, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.

What is her general approach in sessions?

Sessions are client-centered and collaborative. Kristen combines practical techniques with motivational interviewing and solution-focused steps to help people make real changes.

How much experience does she have?

Kristen has ten years of professional experience working with people across a range of concerns and life stages.

What credentials and region does she practice in?

She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) licensed in Tennessee and practices with that credential.

Which languages are supported during sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.

How are fees and billing handled?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Kristen?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

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