top of page

Oh, Hi!

IMG_0714.JPG
IMG_0714.JPG

Stories have long been a powerful means of learning and disseminating knowledge from one generation to the next. Like these, the stories we tell ourselves are significant, although less attention is often granted to our self-narratives. I believe that everyone has a story but that it is impossible to fully appreciate and embody all of the elements of our lived experience. Sometimes the pieces of our stories, that we hear, see, and experience, are so dominant that we become unable to see other, sometimes more productive, parts to the story. When people are liberated from problem stories, they are able to capture and actively perform preferred ways of being, resulting in enriched and intentional lives; they become “enlivened spirits.” In my work, I take an intentional and active stance in inviting dialogue and reflection regarding sociocultural influences and discourses that may establish and maintain problematic self-narratives and worldviews.​

​

As a self-identified narrative therapist, I view the client as the resourceful expert of their own life and myself as a collaborator, assisting the client to see themselves in a new light so that they may enact change. By actively tending to what Madsen (1999) termed “Connecting with the Honorable Self,” I strive to find and reflect qualities in clients that I can connect with. In other words, my role can be seen as being a mirror that invites clients to experience and see themselves in a more productive way.

​

​I use a combination of Narrative and Emotionally Focused Therapy, but most importantly, I tailor my work with each case based on the clients’ needs. My approach begins with getting to know each client outside of the problems they’ve come through the door with. I feel that the basis for a powerful therapeutic alliance is earning trust and establishing a level of transparency and sincere openness with one another. As I get to know each client, I remain curiously focused on the client’s own cultural context and larger systemic influences while also maintaining that each client comes with their own unique strengths and competencies. I assist clients in drawing these qualities out as we begin our work together.​My couples/partnership therapeutic approach is designed to create moments in a session where partners are invited to share problematic patterns and difficult feelings that can be processed and adjusted in the moment, often resulting in powerful interactions of feeling heard and seen by one another.  While I believe relational work is best done within the context of the partnership and/or family, sometimes it is most appropriate to work with individuals to address presenting issues. As in my work with couples/partnerships, I strive to create a space where individuals feel empowered to share and process unhelpful intra and interpersonal experiences.​​Using an intersectional and sex-positive lens, I strive to address issues related to communication, trust, sex and intimacy, harmful power discrepancies, and conflict resolution. Together we will work at a comfortable, client-directed pace toward your decided upon goals. It is the greatest honor to walk this journey with you, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to sit with you through this time.

Education, Certifications, and Credentials

2007-2011 University of Colorado at Boulder

BA Psychology

​

2015-2017 Pacific Lutheran University 

MA Marriage and Family Therapy

​

2020-2024 Institute for Sex Education and Enlightenment

Holistic Sex Therapy Certification

​

CO LMFT Credential 0002138

​

WA LMFT Credential LF61011260

​

AASECT Member ID 1363743​​

© 2024 Kristin Jaress, MA LMFT, CHST

bottom of page