How My Journey

Began

“I started my professional journey in clinical social work working with college-age students as a school counselor. From there, I moved to a hospital environment working in adult psychiatric care as a crisis intervention and family counselor.

I knew the spiritual piece was crucial in healing, that often lacking in hospital environments. This observation led me to pursue study at seminary and a deeper journey of my own spiritual understanding and practice.

Now I apply my work to look at clients from a whole-person lens considering the bio-psycho-social-spiritual components. 

Connecting with spirituality is the key to emotional and mental well-being.”

~ Kristin Stansky

Kristin Stanky is a LMSW in the state of Texas.
Her Credentials include:

  • Undergraduate Dual Major BS Psychology / BS Business, University of Pittsburgh

  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work (LMSW), Hunter College

  • Certified Heart Math™ Trainer

  • Splankna Therapy Institute (EMDR trained)

Passion + Compassion:

I am passionate about partnering with God to meet people in their challenges and guide people down a path of restoration and healing that is available through Christ. However, if God feels distant or not relevant in your life right now that’s okay too. I welcome working with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Social Work from Hunter College with a concentration in Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families. Following school, I worked as an LSW in adult inpatient psychiatry as a crisis intervention and family counselor and also pursued seminary studies at BIOLA Talbot School of Theology. My coursework in seminary has better prepared me to bring spirituality into my counseling work. 

I’m trained in traditional modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples. My most recent training is from Heart Math Institute, which focuses on tools to become heart-brain coherent. I am a student of Dr. Joe Dizpensa and have been to several of his conferences as a participant and volunteer. His work has taught me the power of meditation and tapping into the divine resources within each person that can powerfully heal the mind, body and spirit. I specialize in trauma recovery. I meet you where you are and am flexible.

God continues to teach me about the patience, humility, and gentleness of his character as we explore our stories. He is the extraordinary God who wants to be with us in the ordinary often messy and complicated life. We don’t have to be in a church service or reading the bible to experience his presence (although we certainly can). As I grow, I’m learning to be more focused in the present moment, connected to God in my heart and body. It’s in this space that I can best love and serve others.

On a personal note, I am a proud mother to my son Judah. In my free time, I enjoy reading spirituality books, hiking, and being in nature. I regularly practice Qigong, which is a type of exercise that involves stretching, movement, breathing, and meditation.

My Areas Active Listening, Reflection & Insight.

Self-Worth

Self-worth is about holding confidently to the value God has placed upon you. However, it’s often too hard to live out how God sees us because of experiences or relationships we’ve had that negatively impacted our self image.

Grief. Trauma

Grief is a natural response to any sort of loss and often comes and goes in stages. Unprocessed grief often shows up as anger.

Trauma is often linked with grief. When we experience trauma, big or small, we often need space to grieve our loss and move forward.

Transition. Change

Some of the hardest times in life are during transitions. Change can be difficult for people, where we suddenly don’t feel like “ourself.” We may feel lost, unmotivated or uncertain about the future.

Attachment

The earliest relationships with our caregivers usually impact our relationship with the world and others. We often see the patterns of our attachment style play out in our marriage or romantic relationships that can either be healthy or problematic.

 

Anxiety. Fear. Worry

Excessive anxiety, fear or worry can sometimes be so consuming that it’s difficult to live in the present and enjoy the now. It can feel like the walls are closing in with no way out.

Depression

Depression often feels like having “no energy,” not being motivated about the future, or feeling “hopeless” or “powerless.” When we’re depressed it can feel like being paralyzed or stuck.

Body Image

Everyone has a unique relationship with their body and food. However, often eating and how we see our body can bring up negative feelings or a critical voice. It becomes difficult to enjoy food in a healthy way as the battle rages in the mind.

Family. Marriage. Relationships

Relationships can be difficult. Often the people closest to us can be the hardest to work through. Healthy communication, connection, boundaries, respect and forgiveness are all important factors.