Kirsten Munson, LCPC

Kirsten Munson is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a key part of her practice. She draws on more than three decades of experience to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem concerns. Her manner is respectful and straightforward, and she aims to make the first steps feel achievable for someone reaching out.

She focuses on practical, talk-based work that looks at thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions often include strategies to reduce anxiety, cope with loss, and build confidence in daily life. Kirsten adapts each conversation and plan to the person she is working with rather than following a fixed script.

Her toolbox also includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy. These approaches support learning new coping skills, staying present when emotions feel overwhelming, and improving communication around painful topics. The methods are chosen to match the concern and the person’s goals.

Kirsten has long experience addressing issues related to family of origin, adoption and foster care, blended family challenges, and gender dysphoria. She also helps people facing chronic illness or pain, midlife questions, relationship betrayal, and mood disorders. The focus is on clear steps people can take between sessions.

Conversations are offered in English and take place online by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Kirsten works with adults who want a practical, compassionate approach to move forward from difficult life moments.

How Kirsten’s Approaches Work Online

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and trying concrete experiments to change them. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages noticing difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that match personal values. It can help with grief, chronic pain, and situations that feel stuck.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, symptoms, and daily life, then choose techniques that fit. Changes may come from practicing skills between sessions and adjusting the plan as needed.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction and visual cues. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging let someone write out thoughts, get brief check-ins, or use messaging when a full session is not convenient. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy or changing schedule.