Kristen Kakanis, LCSW

Kristen Kakanis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tennessee with 10 years of experience supporting people through life transitions and emotional challenges. She works with clients who are managing stress and anxiety, navigating relationship concerns, addressing anger, and seeking greater motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Kristen approaches each person with respect for their lived experience, viewing clients as the experts of their own stories and drawing on their existing strengths to foster meaningful change.

She recognizes that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life requires courage, and she aims to offer steady support and practical guidance throughout the process. Kristen emphasizes empowerment and collaboration, helping clients identify small, achievable steps that build momentum and resilience. Her practice centers on creating a respectful therapeutic relationship where personal goals and values guide the work.

Whether a client seeks help overcoming obstacles, improving relationships, or increasing self-confidence, Kristen focuses on clear, client-focused strategies that align with each individual’s priorities. Her goal is to help clients move toward greater well-being while honoring the unique strengths they bring to therapy.

Therapeutic Approaches for Effective Online Care

Kristen frequently uses client-centered therapy, which places the client’s experience and goals at the center of the work. This approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration to help people explore their values and build on their own strengths. It is useful for many concerns, including low confidence, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and adjust unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT offers practical tools for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger by teaching concrete strategies that can be practiced between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Kristen works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and personal preferences, and she adapts techniques as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy with Kristen is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy periods, to access support from home, and to choose the format that fits a client’s communication style and life demands.