Kristen Udell , LMHC

Kristen Udell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Iowa with 8 years of professional experience. Her approach to therapy is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, and she draws on those methods to help people work through stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation challenges, self-esteem and confidence concerns, and mild depression.

She treats clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and she adapts conversations and treatment plans to address each person’s unique needs. Kristen views the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative team effort - together with clients she focuses on finding practical solutions to current problems while also addressing healing from past or ongoing trauma. Her practice also includes attention to relationship and family issues as well as communication problems, forgiveness, life purpose, self-love, and women's issues.

Kristen typically responds to messages within 24 hours on weekdays and within 48 hours over weekends. She recognizes that taking the first step toward therapy can take courage and she is proud of clients who begin the process of seeking support.

Approaches That Guide Online Care

Kristen relies on therapeutic methods that translate well to remote work. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy and active listening, creating space for clients to lead conversations about what matters most to them and helping build self-understanding and acceptance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and developing practical skills to manage anxiety, stress, and mood-related concerns. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on clear goals and small, achievable steps to create change, which can be especially useful when clients want concrete strategies and faster progress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process, and Kristen works collaboratively with clients to determine what fits best based on individual needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts methods over time, combining elements from different approaches when that better supports progress.

Online formats such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to maintain continuity of care amid busy lives. These options allow clients to access licensed professionals and therapists from home or another convenient location while using the therapeutic tools and structure tailored to their goals.