You are much more more than a diagnosis or category! It is a challenge for us all to make meaning in a chaotic world. I work with creative people, perfectionists, harsh self-critics and existential struggles in singles, couples & groups. I have expertise in helping people recognize problematic substance use, with Harm Reduction as a philosophical approach. Cross-cultural sensitivity is a great value. I enjoy working with young and early-career adults. I enjoy learning from the people I see.

Life can feel like a roller coaster full of twists and turns. You may lose track of your goals & rely on unhealthy coping skills to help you, including over/under eating, excessive exercise, self-deprecation, doubt, isolation, irritability, over-thinking, increased impulsivity...the list goes on. During these times you may experience tough transitions ranging from the loss of a loved one, sudden change in career and/or relocation, acculturation challenges &/or traumatic experiences that result in confusion, pain & other emotions you may feel flooded with. I am here to help you process & make sense of your ride.

I have been in private practice for over three decades. My approach is eclectic, engaging, and respectful. Humor has it's place in the journey of therapy! I feel blessed for the opportunity to help people build on their own strengths. My areas of particular interest include recovery, relationship/intimacy building, ADHD, sexuality/LGBT issues, ACOA, Wellness coaching, and hypnotherapy. I look forward to the opportunity of assisting you in challenging old behaviors and reframing healthier narratives in your life.

Call and ask about new client availability. Reaching out to a Counselor/Therapist is a big step; it can feel scary and overwhelming. Yet, it can be one of the best things that you can do for yourself or for a loved one. Life is hard. We can all feel anxious, overwhelmed, stressed or depressed by our life's experiences. However, you don't have to learn to manage these difficult emotions alone. My job is to help you reach "your" goals for wellness. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you to determine the best way to help you meet your wellness goals. Please call for your free telephone consultation.

Seeking therapy or finding a new therapist can sometimes be both intimidating and stressful. I have found, however, that once the right match is made, the therapeutic relationship almost always matures into an integral and rewarding aspect of my clients' routines and lives. I strive to engage my clients in a collaborative partnership as they process feelings, explore solutions and improve relationships. My eclectic and person-centered approach ensures that you continue to be the experts of your own lives, while I provide a supportive, empathic and non-judgmental space for you to change or cope with life's various challenges.

Therapy is a valuable resource when navigating life’s challenges. The therapeutic process builds confidence, improves the ability to cope, increases the capacity for connection and intimacy, and expands self-knowledge and understanding. I offer therapy to individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities suffering from anxiety, depression, stage-of-life issues, and grief and loss.

Life is a barrage of experiences that constantly shapes our vision of the world. At times, our perception of life can be thrown out of whack by internalized reactions that cast a shadow over ambitions for the future. If this process goes unchecked, it can hinder self awareness, growth and connectedness to others. Through our work together, we can shape the emotional response to an event in order to maximize outcomes and live happier, more fulfilling lives.

Starting therapy may bring up a lot of thoughts and feelings, and your decision to seek therapy shows a commitment to living your best life. I ultimately believe in my work that restoring relationships with ourselves and our loved ones can help navigate the difficult times we live in. Finding freedom from worry and depression is work, but you are not alone on this journey. You may also be exploring your sexual or gender identity and looking for additional support. Your curiosity and interest in exploring these issues will help you succeed in reaching your goals for your best life. Together we can work on finding hope and peace.

Dr. Kirsten Snyder combines her doctoral level training in clinical psychology with her training in energy medicine to provide a holistic healing experience of the mind, body and spirit for her clients. Kirsten has over 15 years of experience providing psyotherapy to older adolescents and adults. Her approach to treatment draws from a variety of theoretical perspectives including Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Relational and Psychodynamic models, Reiki, Bodytalk, and EFT. Kirsten is most interested in facilitating the exploration and healing of life difficulties associated with relationships, the stresses and adjustments to life and career transitions, and identity development.

Over the last thirty years as a Clinical Psychologist, I have learned how children, adults, couples, and families break free of disheartening relational patterns and rewrite oppressive self-stories. I have learned how to attend to what matters most: feeling safe, opening to love, and creating a life guided by compassion. I truly love my work, and that may be because I am still learning every day how to ask questions that spark wonder and creativity, how to listen for the depth behind words, knowing when to be patient, when to challenge.

*My practice is full as of Nov 2020* As a psychologist, I help adults and college students explore their experiences, thoughts and emotions within in a supportive and optimally challenging environment. My clients generally want to improve quality of life, strengthen relationships, reduce struggles with food, and recover from traumatic experiences. I love to help people navigate identity changes such as new motherhood, and also cultural or sexual identity. Mostly though, I just enjoy working with anyone who is curious and reflective.

I work with clients seeking clarity on why they feel the way they do, relief from intrusive and negative thoughts, depression, anxiety, ADHD, work issues, trauma, crisis, career choices, adoption ,caregiving, acculturation and changing patterns of relating in relationships that no longer serve their purpose.

Life is different now. Amid the uncertainty, it possible that you’re feeling anxious, depressed or shut down. Whether you're adjusting to a life transition or have experienced loss, trauma, illness or caring for someone who is, having support may be helpful. Regardless of your circumstances, I'll work collaboratively with you to access what already exists within you! While the journey toward health and wellness is on-going, accessing your body's innate wisdom may be instrumental. In discovering your mind/body connection, it's possible you’ll begin to experience a sense of well-being and stability that you're seeking right now.

Have you ever, in exasperation, asked yourself “why am I like this?!” or expressed something similar? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Perhaps you have a complicated relationship with food and your body, struggle with symptoms of a mood disorder, have a trauma history, or are in the midst of a major life change and feel you would benefit from the support of someone who can help you make sense of it all, in the hopes of finding some relief. You may be hesitant, or even in a place of hopelessness and helplessness.

*Telehealth sessions available* If you are like most people, your efforts toward overcoming difficulties on your own sometimes fall short. Maybe you know things could be better if you could get through a difficult transition, change a negative pattern, or overcome some relationship difficulty. It can also be difficult to be aware of how poor sleep is affecting your days. Whether you're having difficulty with stress, anxiety, sleep, work, school, relationships, or something else, you deserve to have someone help you live with greater ease. Engaging in therapy with a calm, supportive, and encouraging therapist can be the difference.

Have you recently felt overwhelmed with school, work, big changes in your life or about yourself, and just don't know where to go next? Have thoughts and feelings become too confusing and overwhelming to figure out alone? Are you looking for support in coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma? My passion is in addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment through life transitions, self esteem, finding your authentic self, and many more of life's challenges we face due to these stressors with adults, teens, and children 10 and older.

Sometimes we get caught up in who we think we should be or how we think we should act. This makes it hard to tune in to which parts of ourselves we want to nourish. I invite clients both young and old to take an active role in learning ways to increase meaning and enjoyment in their lives. I work with adolescents, adults, and parents struggling with issues of depression and anxiety, sexuality, and gender identity. Through drawing, storytelling and play, I help kids put their feelings into words and learn effective ways to connect with others. I recognize and celebrate neurodiversity as well as expansive gender expression.

I am a clinical social worker with an MSW from University of Albany's School of Social Welfare. Earlier graduate work was a Master of Psychology, concentrating in Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally I spent over ten years working as a birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator, which has offered me a unique background for working with families. In addition I completed a certificate training for working with victims of assault to enhance my knowledge of trauma and its effects.