Kristen Paeth, LCSW, LICSW

Kristen Paeth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW) based in Wisconsin who brings eight years of clinical experience to her therapy practice. She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2017 and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Her background includes work in Child Protective Services and in-home therapy for autistic children, and she has supported clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, sex addiction, substance use concerns, legal challenges, and reentry after incarceration.

Kristen has particular experience working with adult males returning to community life after incarceration, while remaining comfortable and skilled in supporting people from many walks of life. Her style emphasizes strong listening, rapport building, and meeting clients where they are. She describes her practice as client-centered, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused techniques, and Mindfulness strategies to offer practical tools and motivation toward meaningful change.

Clients can expect collaborative goal-setting and a focus on strengths and small, achievable steps that fit each person’s pace. Kristen is looking to add additional clients for weekend and some evening appointments, and she approaches each case with empathy, challenge when appropriate, and a commitment to supporting clients as they work toward their goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Options

Kristen Paeth uses a client-centered approach that prioritizes the individual's experience and values, creating a collaborative environment where goals are shaped by the client and the therapist acts as a guide and advocate. This approach is helpful for building trust, improving self-esteem, and navigating life transitions.

She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning by providing concrete strategies and skill-building.

Mindfulness Therapy appears in her work as a way to increase present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to stress. Mindfulness practices can support emotional regulation and calmer responses to triggers associated with trauma, grief, or chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Kristen works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for working with Kristen through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, accommodate caregiving or work demands, and maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are difficult, all while connecting clients with licensed professionals who can support their goals.