PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

KS Portrait of Kristi Smith
Online therapist

Kristi Smith

Practical counseling for family and parenting challenges

Credentials
LPC
Experience
12 years
Licensed in
Oregon
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Kristi

Kristi Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Oregon who focuses on family and parenting concerns along with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem. She works in a straightforward, supportive way and encourages people to use their own strengths to move forward. Kristi keeps language simple and practical so parents can read and decide quickly whether to reach out.

She invites clients to talk through what is happening at home and in relationships.

Background and approach

Conversations often include what feels stuck, communication patterns, and ways to rebuild trust or boundaries. Sessions aim to identify small, doable steps that fit each family's life. With 12 years of professional experience, Kristi has helped people manage anxiety, address family problems, and work on self-love and motivation.

Her background includes supporting those facing attachment concerns, blended family issues, and separation or divorce challenges. Kristi also works with people affected by cancer, seasonal mood changes, and feelings of guilt or emptiness. She uses practical tools rather than jargon, teaching strategies for clearer communication and steadier emotion regulation.

Parents can expect help with parenting challenges, blended family dynamics, and repairing family of origin patterns without confusing terms. Kristi asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire to begin. Sessions are offered in English and take place through video, phone, chat, or text messaging to fit busy family schedules.

Therapeutic approaches for families online

Kristi draws on evidence-based techniques that focus on practical change and better communication. One common approach involves identifying unhelpful interaction patterns and teaching specific communication skills to reduce conflict and improve connection. This helps when family members get stuck in the same arguments or misunderstandings.

Another frequently used technique centers on building emotion regulation strategies so people can respond more calmly during stressful moments. These skills are useful for managing anxiety, mood shifts like seasonal affective symptoms, and heated exchanges during parenting or relationship stress.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will work with each person to figure out which techniques fit their goals, needs, and daily life. That collaborative process may include trying different strategies and adjusting plans as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to schedule sessions around family routines and to follow up between meetings. Many parents find that being able to use multiple formats helps maintain steady progress while managing busy days.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, parenting struggles, and self-esteem. Additional focuses include attachment, blended family issues, divorce and separation, and related concerns.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is straightforward and supportive, focusing on practical steps and clearer communication. Sessions emphasize identifying strengths and small changes that fit everyday family life.
How much experience does she have?
Kristi has 12 years of professional experience working with clients on anxiety, family problems, motivation, and self-love.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, license number OR LPC C4292, and practices in Oregon.
In which languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules and preferences.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
12 years
Licensed
Oregon
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Kristi

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point