Kristen Shepherd, LMSW

Kristen Shepherd is a licensed social worker who brings a decade and a half of clinical experience to her therapeutic work. A 2010 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work, she began her career serving students in high-needs school settings for the first ten years of practice. That early work shaped her commitment to practical, strengths-based support, while also clarifying her deeper passion for one-on-one and couples therapy.

Shepherd specializes in helping individuals and couples strengthen communication, rebuild intimacy, and increase enjoyment in their relationships. She approaches each client as a unique person on a personal journey, tailoring interventions to meet people where they are and to identify areas where growth and change are needed. Her practice includes trauma-focused care and an emphasis on uncovering and addressing psychological wounds that can limit personal progress and wellbeing.

Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is central to her work, and she prioritizes collaboration and empathy as clients explore change. She holds an LMSW, which is a Licensed Master Social Worker credential, and practices in Michigan. Shepherd welcomes clients of all ages and looks forward to supporting individuals and couples as they work toward meaningful, lasting change.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Kristen Shepherd integrates several evidence-based approaches to support clients both in-person and online. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationship patterns affect current connections - it helps clients and couples understand attachment needs and build more secure, responsive relationships. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, giving clients an accepting space to explore goals and make choices that align with their values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping challenges.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kristen works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best for their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors methods over time, adjusting strategies as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy offers flexible options including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit care into busy schedules or to access support from different locations. These formats support consistent engagement, timely check-ins, and continuity of care while allowing therapists to use the same therapeutic approaches they employ in traditional settings.