Kristen Zavala, LPCC, LPC

Kristen Zavala is a licensed therapist practicing in New Mexico who uses practical, skills-based methods to help people manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and related concerns. She holds the LPCC and LPC credentials and brings ten years of clinical experience to her work. Kristen listens closely and helps people set realistic goals they can work toward between sessions.

She often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered conversations to make sense of thoughts and behaviors. Kristen also draws on solution-focused and trauma-informed ideas to help people find immediate steps forward. Sessions are shaped around what the person needs right now and what they want to change over time.

Common issues she addresses include stress, grief, feelings of isolation, and concerns related to identity and intimate relationships. She also supports people coping with panic, mood struggles, addictions, and recovery from sexual assault or domestic violence. Kristen pays attention to shame, guilt, and self-esteem so clients can build more self-compassion.

Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She offers tools you can try between appointments and checks in on how those tools are working. People leave sessions with concrete next steps rather than vague advice.

Kristen’s background includes work with trauma-focused approaches and practical problem-solving models. She tailors treatment based on each person’s needs and goals, helping them rebuild routines, manage symptoms, and strengthen emotional regulation. Her approach aims to help people make steady, manageable changes.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Kristen blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-focused techniques in ways that adapt well to online sessions. CBT breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions, and then builds practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns; it is useful for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns. Trauma-focused work concentrates on safety, pacing, and processing experiences with attention to triggers and coping skills so people feel steadier over time.

Choosing the best approach is a team effort. Kristen will talk with each person about their goals, symptoms, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past. Together they decide which methods to try first and adjust the plan as progress is made or new needs appear.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which allow flexibility for different days and energy levels. Video sessions are good for full conversations and working through skills in real time. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Messaging and chat work well for quick updates, follow-up questions, or brief coaching between appointments. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, family life, or medical schedules while keeping the focus on concrete tools and steady progress.