Burnsmith, Kristen

Welcome to Counseling by Kristen, a professional counseling service based in Surprise, AZ. Our mission is to provide a safe, client-centered space where individuals can work through a variety of issues, including trauma, mood disorders, addiction, relational issues, and LGBTQIA+ issues. With a focus on trauma resolution, we utilize cutting-edge therapy models and evidence-based practices to help our clients live their best lives.

Our Services

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Kristen Burnsmith specializes in a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. These services include individual therapy, guided meditation, and the sale of a custom gratitude and intention journal. With a holistic approach, Kristen integrates several therapy models to provide effective, compassionate care.

• Individual Therapy: Kristen offers individual therapy for adults struggling with a variety of issues. With an eclectic, client-centered style, she strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By addressing underlying traumatic issues and utilizing evidence-based models such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SE), Kristen helps clients build mental strength and resilience. Her areas of expertise include LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, and relational issues.
• Trauma Resolution: As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), Kristen is trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-oriented trauma modality focused on increasing emotional tolerance and processing incomplete fight/flight responses. This approach aims to re-establish social engagement and foster healing. Additionally, she employs EMDR, a simple and effective therapy that targets unprocessed memories to alleviate distress.
• Guided Meditation: Kristen offers guided meditation sessions designed to promote relaxation and positive thinking. These sessions can be customized to address specific concerns or provide general stress reduction.
• Gratitude and Intention Journal: Kristen has created a gratitude and intention journal that encourages users to cultivate a practice of gratitude and mindfulness. This journal is available for purchase on Amazon.

What to Expect in Therapy

At Counseling by Kristen, therapy is a collaborative process that requires active engagement from both the therapist and the client. To ensure the best possible outcomes, clients are encouraged to be open, honest, and committed to working on the issues discussed during sessions both during and between appointments.

Meet Kristen Burnsmith, LPC, SEP

Kristen Burnsmith is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Ottawa University. With a specialization in Trauma, Abuse and Deprivation, Kristen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Her client-centered approach emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment where clients can recognize their true selves and experience joy, passion, and love.

Kristen has spent the past ten years working at The Meadows, a renowned inpatient treatment facility, where she has helped clients navigate their trauma and addiction issues. In her private practice, she utilizes a variety of therapy models and techniques, including EMDR, ART, IFS, SE, SSP, CBT, and DBT, to provide effective and personalized care.