Kristen Zavala , LPCC, LPC

Kristen Zavala is a licensed therapist practicing in New Mexico who works with people facing complex emotional challenges. She focuses on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and social isolation while offering dedicated support to members of the LGBTQ+ community and those processing grief, shame, or major life changes.

Her practice emphasizes a compassionate, collaborative stance that centers the client's experience. Kristen helps individuals cultivate self-love, strengthen emotional resilience, and develop practical coping strategies tailored to their circumstances. She creates an affirming environment where clients can explore difficult memories, rebuild their sense of self, and practice skills that support lasting change.

Over the course of her work she has supported people dealing with mood disorders, panic attacks, recovery from sexual assault, gender dysphoria, and issues specific to women's mental health. Kristen holds the credentials LPCC and LPC - explained in plain language these indicate professional licensure to provide clinical counseling and psychotherapy. Her goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their inner resources and to make positive, sustainable shifts in their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support and Growth

Kristen often uses Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on creating a supportive space where the client's own goals and values guide the work. This approach helps people build self-compassion, clarify priorities, and strengthen their ability to make meaningful choices. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is another core method she draws on - it involves identifying unhelpful thought patterns and practicing concrete skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic. Trauma-Focused Therapy is used when past events are impacting present-day functioning; it emphasizes safely processing traumatic memories and developing stabilization strategies to reduce distress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kristen works with each person to assess their needs, preferences, and goals, adjusting techniques over time so the therapy fit evolves with the client's progress.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to access care around work, family, and location constraints. These options offer flexibility in scheduling and allow therapists and clients to maintain continuity of care when in-person meetings are impractical, while still supporting meaningful therapeutic work.