- Years in practice
- 10
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Wisconsin, Illinois
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Addictions
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
About Kristen
Dr. Kristen Pavela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Wisconsin with ten years of clinical experience. She holds a doctorate in social work and has spent her career helping people navigate stress, addiction, mood concerns, relationship challenges, and parenting-related struggles.
Her approach is warm and interactive, focused on meeting each person where they are. She keeps sessions straightforward and practical. Conversations are guided by what matters most to the client.
Background and approach
She uses talk-based methods to build insight and then works on steps people can try between sessions. Dr. Pavela blends client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral ideas and motivational interviewing.
She also draws on psychodynamic perspectives to notice patterns that repeat over time. Those approaches help with mood concerns, coping after trauma, addictive behaviors, and patterns that affect relationships and parenting. People can expect a respectful tone and an emphasis on strengths.
The therapist aims to avoid labels and instead focuses on specific problems and skills. Plans are adjusted to each person’s needs and goals. Practical matters such as scheduling and communication are handled directly, and different session formats are available.
If someone is ready to begin, the therapist supports them through the early steps and helps set realistic goals for change.
What Kristen works with
Everything Kristen lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Kristen helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Depression
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Kristen lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approaches that fit into online care
Dr. Pavela commonly uses client-centered work, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing in online sessions. Client-centered work focuses on listening closely and following what matters to the person, which helps build trust and clarify goals. CBT looks at thoughts and behaviors, then tries small experiments or new skills to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or change unhelpful habits. Motivational interviewing helps people find their own reasons for change and can be useful for addictions or making a new parenting routine.Choosing the right approach is a team effort. She will work with each person to identify goals, try approaches, and adjust as needed. That collaborative process helps match methods to the issue and to the person’s preferences.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for fuller conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone needs a shorter check-in. Chat or text messaging works well for quick updates, progress notes, or maintaining support between longer sessions. These options make therapy more flexible for busy schedules and different comfort levels.
Questions people ask about Kristen
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, parenting concerns, and sleep or eating difficulties.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is warm and interactive. Sessions focus on respectful dialogue, practical steps, and building on a person’s strengths.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of experience as a clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor and holds a doctorate in social work.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with licenses in Illinois and Wisconsin and practices from Wisconsin.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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