Kalene McSwain-Faulkner, LCSW, CSW

Kalene McSwain-Faulkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, relationship struggles, and life transitions. She also supports those dealing with addictions, self‑esteem issues, sleep problems, parenting strain, career concerns, and compassion fatigue. Kalene speaks English and Spanish and practices from Tennessee. Kalene describes therapy as a process that takes time and small changes. She listens first, then clarifies what she hears and helps clients find practical ways to shift unhelpful patterns. She uses straightforward language and works alongside each person to build on their own strengths. Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment‑based ideas, emotionally focused techniques, and client‑centered principles. Sessions can include mindfulness, motivational coaching, narrative work, and supportive strategies tailored to each person. Kalene brings nine years of clinical experience and prior social work practice. She also has military experience that shaped her ability to connect with people from many backgrounds. She maintains continuing education and is currently completing doctoral research coursework. In sessions she blends practical tools with encouragement and accountability. She frames therapy like an alignment process - the client already has what they need and therapy helps adjust how things fit. She asks for honest feedback so the plan can be shaped to what actually helps.

How approaches like CBT and ACT work online

Kalene uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify thinking patterns and try new behaviors that reduce distress. CBT is hands‑on and works well for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many day‑to‑day challenges.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck, then choose actions that match their values. Attachment‑based ideas are used when patterns in relationships and communication are a focus, helping people understand how past bonds shape current reactions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. From there she tailors methods and asks for ongoing feedback so the plan stays useful and realistic.

Online sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text‑based messaging to suit different needs. Video is good when visual connection helps work through emotion, phone can be easier with lower bandwidth, chat or messaging can fit a quick check‑in or when written reflection helps. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, childcare, or travel while keeping the focus on practical tools and steady progress.