To arrange a session with me, complete the steps above.  At your scheduled time, click on the "Live Help" image above for your private chat session.   Welcome and thank you for selecting my virtual office. I’m Kristen Patterson, a state certified & licensed therapist with 18 years of practice. I am available to provide you with the foremost quality of therapeutic consultation through private emails, scheduled telephone or instant messaging: (IM) chat,  based on Eastern Standard Time (EST).    Virtual therapy is for the person looking for complete confidentiality and convenience.  I can offer you the uninterrupted privacy that traditional face-to-face office visits simply cannot.  I am available for a one-time consultation or for more in-depth and on-going                                                     therapeutic services.    I am solution focused and pride myself on being straightforward and honest, as I know your time is valuable.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, sick and tired of the way things are or just want to talk; then you are ready to begin.  Follow the steps outlined at the top of this page and I will talk with you soon.  Again, welcome and thank you. Areas of expertise:     Relationships: couples, infidelity / adultery, separation, divorce, reconciliation, intimacy, codependency, peers / friends, colleagues, extended family, multicultural issues, midlife crisis, abuse & custody issues.  Depression:  break-ups, grief, death / bereavement, unemployment, health, infertility, stress, anger, rage, weight gain, weight loss, hopelessness, despair, pain, financial debt. Anxiety: fears, phobias, isolation, panic attacks, social anxiety, agoraphobia, constant worry, impending doom. Addictions & Compulsions: temptations, alcohol, drugs, overeating, shopping, gambling, sexual, cleaning, rituals, checking, self-sabotage. Parenting Guidance: children, adolescents, young adults, blended families, adoption, custody issues. Individual & family support: bipolar / manic depressive, schizophrenia, borderline, major depression & other personality disorders. Academic Advisement: primary, secondary, post secondary, vocational, graduate & special education. Career Coaching: career changes, employment options, work confusion, laid off, terminated. Mediation, Conflict & Anger Management: assertiveness training, relaxation, reframing, re-scripting, communication, problem solving, compromise, visualization, and breathing. Crisis Management:  acknowledge, inform, educate. Empowerment: personal growth, self – improvement, healing, holistic health. Credentials / Licenses: M.A. Community & Guidance Counseling;                 B.A.: Human Development w/ a specialty in Mental Health              Licensed Mental Health Counselor: LMHC Certified Clinical Supervisor Certified Guidance Counselor