Kristi Rakes, LCSW, LISW-CP

Kristi Rakes is a licensed social worker who brings a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to therapy. With 13 years of experience in mental health, she supports people navigating stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship struggles, and major life changes. Kristi combines a holistic perspective with practical tools to help clients identify strengths and move toward goals for wellbeing.

She holds the credentials LCSW and LISW-CP - meaning she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Social Worker authorized for clinical practice. Her background includes work with aging and geriatric concerns, hospice and end-of-life counseling, caregiver stress, parenting and family issues, trauma and abuse, substance use concerns, and a range of mood and anxiety disorders. She also addresses intimacy-related matters, LGBT issues, career and identity questions, and complications like compassion fatigue and ADHD.

In sessions Kristi uses strength-based methods alongside evidence-informed approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, narrative work, client-centered care, and mindfulness practices. She places value on empathy and collaboration, aiming to help people recognize their resilience, improve coping, and find clearer paths forward during difficult seasons of life.

Approaches for online care and therapeutic support

Kristi Rakes integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques into online sessions to meet a range of needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s own perspective and strengths, offering empathy and validation to support self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, panic, and obsessive patterns. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-focused awareness and practical strategies for reducing stress and improving coping across daily challenges.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Kristi works with each person to clarify goals, consider preferences, and adjust methods over time so therapy fits their life and needs. She emphasizes partnership in choosing techniques that feel most helpful.

Online therapy with Kristi is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and access. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue care through life changes, and connect with licensed professionals from different locations while maintaining consistent therapeutic progress.