Kristel Avilus

Hopeful, practical therapy for life transitions

LCSW Florida

Experience: 7 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Kristel

Kristel Avilus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with seven years of experience guiding people through unresolved trauma and a wide range of life challenges.

Background and approach

She blends practical, evidence-informed methods like cognitive behavioral strategies with client-centered and emotion-focused techniques to create individualized plans that address symptoms and underlying patterns. Kristel has supported clients dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, parenting concerns, career stress, ADHD, OCD, and various forms of trauma including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Her style is warm, interactive, and respectful, emphasizing sensitivity and compassion without relying on stigmatizing labels. Kristel pays attention to attachment, abandonment, communication, and identity-related struggles while also working with issues such as grief, addiction, intimacy problems, sleep disruptions, and compassion fatigue.

She aims to tailor conversations and treatment goals to each person's needs so they can move toward greater functioning and well-being. Kristel practices in Florida and accepts international clients, offering flexible session formats to fit differing schedules and preferences.

She encourages those ready to take steps toward change to reach out and begin a collaborative process focused on practical tools and personal growth.

Approaches that guide online care

Kristel integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into online work to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support values-driven choices and flexible responses to difficult emotions, a helpful fit for people coping with life changes and chronic distress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is handled collaboratively. She will explore goals, preferences, and day-to-day challenges with each client to determine which methods or combination of methods best suit their situation, adjusting the plan as progress and needs evolve.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different routines and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to continue work across locations, while keeping focus on practical skill-building, emotional processing, and real-world application of therapeutic strategies.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kristel commonly address?

She works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, addictions, grief, and ADHD among others.

What is her therapeutic approach and style?

Her style is warm and interactive, combining cognitive behavioral techniques with client-centered and emotion-focused methods to tailor treatment to each person's needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Kristel has seven years of professional experience helping clients navigate trauma, mood concerns, relationship challenges, and related issues.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

She holds the LCSW credential with license FL LCSW SW17998 and is based in Florida.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are provided in English and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available with Kristel?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are costs and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Kristel?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

Addictions Trauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIntellectual disabilityJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English