Kristen Buongiorno
Compassionate, practical therapy rooted in CBT
LCSW New Jersey
- Experience
- 14 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
- Languages
- English
About Kristen
Kristen Buongiorno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings 14 years of clinical experience to her practice in New Jersey.
Background and approach
Her work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients explore how thoughts shape emotions and behaviors, while incorporating mindfulness techniques to promote present-moment awareness and self-care. She combines a compassionate, direct style with practical strategies to address stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and a broad range of life challenges.
Kristen has supported people navigating relationship difficulties, grief, intimacy concerns, addiction, career transitions, and health-related stress such as cancer caregiving. Her practice also includes attention to issues like body image, abandonment, adoption and foster care experiences, kink and alternative sex culture, and complexities related to military or veteran matters.
She prioritizes safety planning when needed and approaches therapy as a collaborative process, partnering with motivated clients to set clear, achievable goals. Clients can expect an honest and empathetic clinician who balances direct conversation with practical tools drawn from CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness.
Kristen emphasizes that meaningful change is possible with commitment and support, and she invites those ready to take steps toward improved coping and well-being to begin the process.
Practical approaches for online healing and skill building
Kristen commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based practices to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. CBT focuses on the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and is useful for issues like anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching concrete tools to change reactions and routines.She also integrates Client-Centered principles, offering a supportive, empathic stance that centers the client's experience and priorities while collaborating on goals. This approach helps create a therapeutic relationship where goals are driven by the client's values and readiness for change.
Deciding which approach fits best is part of the therapeutic journey; Kristen works collaboratively with each person to tailor methods based on their needs, goals, and personal preferences. She will discuss options, try practical techniques, and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.
Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone appointments, live chat, and text-based messaging to increase flexibility. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, access care from where you are in New Jersey, and continue work between sessions with messaging options that support ongoing reflection and skill practice.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Licensed
New Jersey
Languages
English