- CBT and mindfulness
- Direct and compassionate
- Men's wellbeing included
About Kristen
Kristen Buongiorno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 14 years of clinical experience. She centers sessions on the connection between thoughts and behaviors and uses practical techniques to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. Kristen is direct yet compassionate in sessions and aims to work side by side with motivated clients. She has a focus on men's issues among other areas and approaches care with collaboration and clear goal setting.
She draws heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, pairing thought-focused work with mindfulness practices to help clients stay grounded. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are used when emotions feel overwhelming, and motivational interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change. Kristen emphasizes safety and will work with clients to create safety plans when needed.
Her background includes work with people affected by trauma, sexual assault, major life changes, and Veterans issues including combat-related concerns. She also supports those coping with illness such as cancer, caregiving stress, and struggles with addiction or compulsive behaviors. Kristen brings 14 years of varied practice settings to her approach.
Sessions are collaborative and goal oriented. Kristen helps people set realistic steps and practices to try between visits. She encourages straightforward talk about difficult topics and believes small changes add up over time.
If someone is ready to make changes, she helps map out the path and supports progress along the way.
How Kristen Uses CBT, Mindfulness, and DBT Skills Online
Kristen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice how thoughts shape feelings and actions, and then try small behavior changes to see what works. She pairs this with Mindfulness Therapy, teaching simple grounding and breathing practices to reduce overwhelm and improve focus. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are offered for strong emotions, with tools for distress tolerance and emotion regulation.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kristen treats therapy as a collaborative process and will help clients choose which methods to try based on their goals, needs, and preferences. She reviews progress together and adjusts the plan when needed so methods fit the person rather than the other way around.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by removing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, or letting people use video or phone options that suit their comfort and bandwidth. Licensed professionals can guide practical exercises and homework between sessions so progress continues outside scheduled appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Credentials
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Kristen commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, and career or life-purpose questions.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and straightforward, combining thought-focused techniques with mindfulness and practical skill building.
What kind of clinical experience does she have?
Kristen has 14 years of clinical experience working with a range of concerns including trauma, sexual assault, illness, and Veterans issues.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She holds the LCSW credential and practices in New Jersey.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions priced and paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.