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KP Portrait of Dr. Kristen Pavela

Dr. Kristen Pavela

Compassionate, experienced LCSW focused on practical change

LCSW Wisconsin

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Kristen

About Kristen

Dr. Kristen Pavela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a doctorate in social work and a decade of clinical experience in Wisconsin.

Background and approach

She has worked as a clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor, helping people facing depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, addiction, anger, and relationship challenges. Her practice also addresses a broad range of concerns including grief, intimacy issues, parenting and fatherhood challenges, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and stress related to caregiving and compassion fatigue.

Her counseling style is warm and interactive, emphasizing respect, sensitivity, and a strengths-based outlook. She weaves together Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), client-centered techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas to shape individualized plans.

Sessions are tailored to each person’s needs, focusing on practical strategies and exploration of underlying patterns to support lasting change. Pavela encourages clients who are ready to pursue greater well-being to take the first step; she offers guidance and support aimed at empowerment and clearer coping.

Her practice accepts English-speaking clients in Wisconsin and uses a variety of online session formats to match different preferences and schedules.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Pavela draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing in her online work. CBT helps identify unhelpful thoughts and builds practical skills for managing symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleep troubles, or patterns of impulsivity. Motivational interviewing focuses on strengthening a person’s own motivation for change and can be especially useful when addressing substance use, ambivalence, or making difficult life adjustments.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative; she partners with clients to determine which methods best fit their goals and preferences. Sessions often combine structured skill-building with explorative discussion so clients can both learn coping strategies and understand deeper patterns contributing to their concerns.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for varied schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to receive consistent support from Wisconsin without rearranging daily routines, helping clients maintain momentum between sessions and access care in ways that suit their lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, relationship and family problems, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping concerns, parenting challenges, and ADHD.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?
Her manner is warm and interactive, blending client-centered care, cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas to create a personalized, strengths-based plan.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She holds a doctorate in social work and has about 10 years of experience working as a clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with licenses IL LCSW 149020413 and WI LCSW 9369-123, and her practice is based in Wisconsin.
Does she offer services in languages other than English or to international clients?
She provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and services are billed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

Wisconsin, Illinois

Languages

English