Kristen Hale, LCSW
Helping people rewrite unhelpful life stories
Details
| Name | Kristen Hale |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | Hawaii |
| Licensed in | Hawaii, Colorado |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 18 |
About Kristen
Kristen Hale is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of experience. She offers straightforward, empathetic care for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem struggles. Kristen focuses on helping clients untangle painful patterns and find clearer ways forward.
Her work centers on building a real connection so people can be honest about what they feel. She listens for the stories that shape a person and helps them rewrite those stories when they no longer serve them.
Background and approach
Kristen uses practical techniques to reduce panic, manage mood swings, and address impulsive or self-harming behaviors. She draws on Narrative ideas to help clients see their life events in new ways and to create more helpful personal narratives. Kristen also uses Attachment-Based methods to look at how early relationships affect current feelings and responses.
Client-Centered work keeps sessions focused on each person’s experience and goals. Cognitive Behavioral techniques are used when people need clear tools to change thoughts and behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are introduced for emotion regulation and dealing with intense states.
Together these approaches give a mix of reflection and concrete practice. Kristen has worked with people facing substance use concerns, grief, intimacy issues, parenting stress, and trauma such as sexual assault. She practices in Hawaii and offers support in English.
Her approach is warm and goal-oriented, with an emphasis on teaching skills people can use between sessions.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse among the things Kristen works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Attachment issues
- Avoidant personality
- Blended family issues
- Communication problems
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Family problems
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-harm
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Attachment-Based Therapy: Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Kristen among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Kristen directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Kristen directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
Online approaches that reshape stories and build skills
Kristen uses Narrative Therapy to help people rename the problems that define them and create alternative personal stories that feel more hopeful and manageable. This approach is useful for grief, shame, abandonment concerns, and persistent negative self-beliefs.She also draws on Attachment-Based Therapy to look at how past relationships influence current emotional patterns and responses. That work helps people understand triggers, improve communication, and feel steadier during stress. Client-Centered Therapy informs her stance in sessions so conversations stay focused on each person’s experience, values, and goals.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to learn what feels most helpful and will adjust methods based on goals and preferences. This means trying ideas, checking what works, and changing course when needed.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and teaching coping skills. Phone sessions can fit into a busy schedule or use less bandwidth. Chat and messaging offer brief check-ins, skill practice, and ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into daily life while working toward clearer narratives and practical coping tools.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Kristen address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, grief, parenting strain, anger, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and related concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She blends Narrative, Attachment-Based, Client-Centered, CBT, and DBT ideas to combine reflection with practical skills. Sessions aim to reshape personal stories and teach tools for coping and emotional regulation.
What is her clinical background and experience?
Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of practice working with trauma, mood disorders, self-harm, substance use, and behavioral challenges.
Where is she based and what credentials does she hold?
She practices in Hawaii and holds the credential LCSW. She also has licensure history in other U.S. states.
Does she work in languages other than English or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription model 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 the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Kristen are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Kristen where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
Or see other therapists in Hawaii »
This is a partner link. We will earn a commission if you sign up through it, at no cost to you. It does not change what you pay or the order of the listings.
Other listings in Hawaii
- Dr. Sonya Boone, LCSW - Hawaii
- Donnalyn Morgan, LMFT - Hawaii
- Dr. Jennifer De Costa, LMFT - Hawaii
- Yvette Skope, LMFT - Hawaii
- All therapists for stress, anxiety »