Kristen Laakso, Masters Level Intern

More About Kristen

Meaningful relationships are essential to a satisfying, healthy life according to the Harvard Study of Adult Development. However, creating and sustaining fulfilling relationships can be challenging. 

We don’t always know why we do things or why we don’t do things, and so we may not understand what is creating conflict with or distance from people in our lives or discontentment within ourselves. Investing some time in self-reflection with a therapist can help. All important relationships, with family, friends, and primarily with oneself, require regular attention and maintenance, much like physical fitness — and I think “mental fitness” is equally, if not more, important. 

Finding time and money for therapy can be difficult, and sometimes it’s an uncomfortable process. But it can yield enormous benefits. There is nothing more rewarding than the incredible feeling of facing your challenges and overcoming the obstacles that once held you back. I’ve experienced this myself thanks to therapy and look forward to helping you experience the same feeling. 

What to Expect From Our Work Together

My therapeutic approach is primarily psychodynamic. This type of therapy helps you to better understand yourself and the self-defeating patterns that play out in your life. By better understanding how you get stuck in these patterns, you will be better equipped to find your way out of them. I’ll be there to listen carefully and to ask you good questions so you can come to an understanding of what the best way is for you to make the change you want.