- CBT focused
- Mindfulness based
- Goal oriented
About Kristen
Kristen Buongiorno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 14 years of clinical experience. She approaches therapy in a straightforward, compassionate way and invites people who are ready to make changes to work together on practical goals. Kristen emphasizes the link between thoughts and behavior and uses mindfulness to help people feel more grounded.
She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thinking patterns that keep problems going. Mindfulness and meditation are woven into sessions to calm the nervous system and build steady habits. Kristen also uses Client-Centered principles to center each person's experience and Motivational Interviewing to support readiness for change.
Kristen has worked with people facing depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, substance concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, career stress, caregiving strain, and codependency. Her background includes supporting veterans and others who have experienced major life changes or medical challenges such as cancer.
In sessions she is direct but warm, willing to have hard conversations while helping people build safety plans when needed. The work focuses on short-term skills and longer-term patterns, depending on what a person needs. Kristen and the client set clear goals and track progress together.
She practices in New Jersey and conducts therapy in English. Kristen encourages anyone who feels ready to take the next step to use the directory's matching tools to begin scheduling.
How evidence-based approaches translate to online therapy
Kristen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is hands-on and often includes practical exercises and skill-building that people can practice between sessions.She also weaves mindfulness practices into counseling to help clients settle their attention and manage stress. Mindfulness can be taught in short exercises useful for grounding before a difficult conversation or during high-stress moments.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kristen treats therapy as a collaboration and will help decide which methods to focus on based on a person's goals, strengths, and preferences. Together they set clear objectives and try approaches, adjusting as needed.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow quick check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also make some skills work more convenient, like practicing mindfulness between sessions or reviewing worksheets together digitally.
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 kinds of concerns does Kristen help address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addictions, codependency, caregiving stress, career concerns, and related challenges.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is compassionate and direct. She blends practical skill-teaching with collaborative goal setting and will have honest conversations when needed.
What is her clinical background and experience?
Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience working across diverse clinical settings, including work with veterans and people facing medical or life changes.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She holds the LCSW credential and practices in New Jersey.
Can I work with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients supported?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How do sessions handle cost and billing?
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 working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to her availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.