Kristen Byrne

As a former storyteller, Kristen possesses an innate curiosity about people — their strengths, growth edges, hopes, and unease. Every individual is working through various experiences and emotions that are influenced by the world around them. As a counselor, it is Kristen’s desire to foster an environment of healing, exploration, and empowerment, and help others articulate and reframe their personal narratives in the context of our larger world.

Her approach to counseling often looks at the systems that surround the individual including family, school, social networks, the environment, and society. These systems are interwoven within all of our lives and have a profound impact on our multiple identities including race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, ability, body size, and more. It is the intersection of these identities that makes us who we are. When division occurs among these identities, it can be difficult to understand how you feel and what your place in the world might be. Through counseling, Kristen is hopeful that you can explore some of these questions together and honor all parts of you.

Kristen has completed Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) training for couples, and attachment-focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training. She was trained in person-centered therapy and believes you know yourself best while she is simply here to walk beside you in an effort toward mutual discovery. Kristen also utilizes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic experiencing, and Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).

Kristen’s therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, and she brings a sense of humor to her practice, as she believes levity can create a fuller experience, deeper relationship, and much needed break. She provides affirmative care for LGBTQIA+ clients and has experience in trauma-informed systems of care from an Indigenous perspective. As a counselor, Kristen focuses on the power of an authentic therapeutic relationship and enjoys collaboration with clients. She values your feedback throughout the therapeutic process and makes an effort to keep an open line of communication. 

Her clinical experience includes working with individuals struggling with disordered eating and eating disorder diagnoses, and survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. She also has experience counseling elementary-age children and undergraduate college students. Prior to Montana Center for Somatic Psychotherapy, Kristen worked with Indigenous undergraduate students and Montana Native communities. 

Kristen received her masters in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montana, and is currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Candidate (LCPC) in the state of Montana.