Kristi Whitford , LCSW

Kristi Whitford is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals in crisis. She has spent her career working with people facing mental health emergencies and trauma as well as those managing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and the needs of special populations. Her work also covers relational challenges, including issues between adults and parent-child dynamics.

Known for a warm and empathetic manner, Kristi maintains a nonjudgmental stance and listens carefully to each person’s concerns. She practices from a client-centered orientation, shaping interventions around the individual rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all plan. That tailored approach is designed to meet practical needs and personal goals while respecting each person’s pace and preferences.

Kristi acknowledges the strain many are feeling in today’s environment and honors the courage it takes to seek help. She frames therapy as a partnership and is prepared to collaborate with individuals to identify supports, coping strategies, and steps toward improved functioning and relief.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Kristi Whitford draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centered methods, along with motivational interviewing when appropriate. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while helping a person clarify personal values and take committed action; it can help with anxiety, depression, and persistent stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening so the person can explore concerns at their own pace and build self-direction and confidence. Motivational Interviewing focuses on strengthening motivation and resolving ambivalence, which can be useful for change related to addictions, health behaviors, or commitment to treatment.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process; Kristi collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative stance helps shape sessions and adapt strategies over time.

Online therapy with Kristi is offered in multiple formats - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - to provide flexibility for scheduling, caregiving responsibilities, work commitments, or mobility limitations. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access support from familiar surroundings when in-person visits are not feasible.