Kristen Udell, LMHC

Kristen Udell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Iowa with eight years of clinical experience. She blends practical, evidence-informed techniques with a warm, collaborative style to help people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and adjustments to life changes. Her work also addresses self-esteem, confidence, motivation, relationship and family concerns, and mild depression, with additional focus on communication problems, forgiveness, life purpose, self-love, and issues affecting women.

Kristen draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to create tailored treatment plans that reflect each person’s unique needs and goals. She approaches therapy as a partnership, listening carefully and adapting conversation and interventions so the path forward makes sense for the individual. That collaborative focus supports both practical problem solving and healing from past or ongoing trauma.

Kristen aims to be responsive to those she works with and typically replies to messages within 24 hours, or within 48 hours for communications sent over the weekend. She recognizes that starting therapy takes courage and offers a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate environment for people ready to begin.

Approaches That Guide Online Work

Kristen integrates several practical approaches in her online practice. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship where the individual’s perspective guides the process - this approach is helpful for improving self-esteem, self-love, and clarity about life purpose. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses targeted strategies to reduce anxiety, manage stress, and address low mood. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes setting clear goals and identifying immediate, achievable steps to create change, which can be useful for coping with life transitions and improving motivation.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself - Kristen collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy stays practical and relevant to everyday challenges.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, 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 or changing periods and to access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations.