Areas of practice

Restore a sense of optimism and intimacy in your relationship.

“Everything feels hard. We never have sex and I feel alone even though we are together all the time. Where is the line of no return?”

Couples therapy is directed by Gottman principles, which is an evidenced based approach backed by 40+ years of research. Find your friendship with your partner and catch them doing something right. Begin to feel closer and more connected, while learning how to let the past be the past and reignite romance now and in the future.

Whether you are working independently or together as a couple, we will identify steps giving you and your partner direction to move from isolation, loneliness, or conflict toward a more satisfying relationship.

What Clients Say:

This process has been relationship altering for so many reasons. My husband and I had done years of couples therapy previously, but it always felt like we were learning how to resolve our fights, rather than prevent them. Through this process we have learned tools for communication that allow us to both feel heard, but also respect the other and their truth. I have never felt more comfortable and secure in my relationship than since we started with Kristen Hullinger, LCSW and the Gottman method. We have learned so much about ourselves, who we are together and how to exist with our differences. I have found so much comfort in the process and have been able to let go of my ego in order to be the best partner I can be for my husband. This therapy has allowed us space to have deep meaningful conversations, even outside of sessions, to explore our feelings and really understand why we are acting and responding the way we are. I'm so grateful that we have had this opportunity to grow and learn. It is truly the best thing we did for our marriage.

– CS

Be your own best friend.

“I feel like I never say the right thing and can’t let it go. It makes me feel anxious all the time.”

I approach individual counseling through a strengths based perspective and primarily use a systems approach along with Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and Mindfulness tools. The system is you...the people and influences you bring from the past and who you have with you now.  Mindfulness tools focus on a way of being in the world and nurturing a sense of being all right with who you are in these very confusing times. The process is collaborative and compassionate.  Throughout the process I will provide concrete tools and help you set goals to review and provide direction over time.