Kristen Ward, LSW, RYT
Somatic & Trauma-Informed Therapist for Adolescents & ADULTS
Hi, I’m Kristen. I’m a somatic, trauma-informed therapist who works with adults, adolescents, and the parents who care deeply about them. I believe healing begins with safety, patience, and a gentle reconnection to the body—especially during life transitions, when emotions can feel big, confusing, or overwhelming and the nervous system is under constant change.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there” – Rumi
A gentle place for teens and adults to listen inward, soften survival, and come home to themselves.
I understand that being a teen or young adult today can be really hard and witnessed this first hand through my previous position as a High School Counselor. Anxiety, shutdown, irritability, identity questions, and feeling misunderstood are often signals that the nervous system is working overtime. In our work together, I focus on creating a calm, supportive space where teens and young adults don’t feel pressured to “perform” or explain everything perfectly. We move slowly, building trust and helping them listen to what their body and emotions are trying to communicate.
Even through adulthood, the transitions continue and extra support to navigate these changes, whether a job, growing a family, loss or navigating one’s own identity can help to bring make these changes a little easier.
Therapy with me often feels like learning a new language—the language of the body, emotions, and inner signals. Through somatic awareness, mindfulness, and parts-informed exploration, I can help you develop tools for emotional regulation, stress management, and self-understanding. These skills support not only short-term relief, but also long-term resilience, confidence, and self-trust.
I also hold deep compassion for parents of the youth that I work with. I know how painful it can be to watch your child struggle and feel unsure how to help. When appropriate, I collaborate with caregivers to support nervous system regulation at home, strengthen connection, and foster a sense of safety—while always honoring the adolescent’s autonomy and voice in therapy.
I am committed to providing an affirming, inclusive space for all people, including LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse individuals, as well as those exploring gender identity or navigating transition. I believe no one needs to be “fixed.” Each person already whole, and therapy is a process of helping reconnect with inner strength and sense of belonging.
It’s an honor to walk alongside adolescents, adults and families as they move toward greater ease, regulation, and emotional well-being.
Training Background
- MSW from University of Denver, specialization in Mental Health and Trauma
- CBT
- DBT
- Motivational Interviewing
- ACT
- IFS- informed
- Narrative Therapy
- ADHD Skills
- EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (training will be complete mid-May 2026)
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) Perinatal Mental Health: Components of Care
- ADHD treatment
- 200 hour Trauma Informed Yoga Training by Zenver
- Trauma Informed Practices by MSU
- Special Service Provider License
- Crisis Prevention and De-escalation, CPI
- DEI essentials by AFCPE
- Suicide Assessment by JCMH
- Restorative Justice Facilitation

