Krystal King, LGPC

I take a holistic approach which includes understanding how stress or distress--past, ongoing or anticipated-- impacts my clients psychologically, physically, spiritually and how it enhances or impacts their ability to function. In our work together we process past and ongoing experiences and work collaboratively to identify triggers and coping skills to manage them in the present and in the future. In managing, alleviating or eliminating symptoms, we might focus on distress tolerance, mood regulation, effective communication, reframing negative thoughts, using positive reinforcement to address behavioral challenges and using acceptance of limitations to reduce distress related to helplessness.

 

I work with adults experiencing challenges with  interactions and roles within the family; persistent, excessive fear or worry that interferes with daily life; low mood, loss of interest in activities; avoidance, hyper arousal or flashbacks of past experiences; relationship challenges including mistrust and people-pleasing behaviors; and behavioral and mood issues.

 

Some of the mental health diagnoses I have experience working with include anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, neurodivergence, bipolar disorder, and OCD tendencies. I take a holistic, systemic and culturally-aware approach, focusing on the ways in which my client’s values, beliefs, personality, identity, personhood and societal structures can cause, maintain or exacerbate mental health disorders and affect psychological well-being and stress responses. 

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I strive to foster a safe, welcoming environment using a strengths-based, client-centered approach. I utilize Solution-focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), existential, and mindfulness-based interventions to support the identified needs of my clients and help minimize symptoms, while considering implications of their cultural background. I combine body and mind, mindfulness, attachment, spirituality, and cognitive techniques in a structured treatment plan and process designed to meet each client’s specific treatment needs. I honor and value all aspects of my clients’ identities that inform their worldview and make them unique.  

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I obtained my Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling/Counseling Psychology from Washington Adventist University in 2022 . I am certified by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and able to provide mental health diagnosis, assessment, treatment planning and treatment under supervision.