Kristen Gaughan, LPC

Kristen Gaughan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with 23 years of experience in behavioral health. She decided to become a counselor at 13 and has spent her career working across multiple treatment settings. Her background includes work with mental health and substance use concerns, and she aims to help people find more peace and balance in daily life.

Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree from York College of Pennsylvania with majors in psychology and sociology and minors in criminal justice corrections and German. She also earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. These studies supported long-term clinical work across inpatient, outpatient, and community programs.

In sessions she focuses on practical change. She uses conversation to identify what’s keeping someone stuck and builds short-term steps toward clearer goals. Kristen works with issues like stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, and career strain, as well as attachment and family of origin concerns.

Her style blends listening with direction. People can expect a mix of exploring feelings and finding concrete next steps. Kristen also uses methods geared to motivation and relationship patterns when helpful.

She supports people coping with major life changes, caregiver strain, first responder stress, and challenges tied to trauma and intimacy. Sessions aim to reduce overwhelm and build tools that fit a person’s real life.

Therapeutic approaches and working online

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding a person's experience without judgment and supporting their own choices; it helps when someone needs a safe space to talk and make decisions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) looks at patterns in close relationships and the emotions that drive them, which can help with intimacy and connection problems. Motivational Interviewing uses gentle prompts to uncover what matters most and to build a person’s own motivation for change, often useful for addictions and behavior shifts.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client will talk about goals and preferences and try methods that fit the person’s needs. That collaborative process lets strategies be adjusted as progress unfolds.

The original biography does not list specific online or in-person session formats, so confirm available formats before booking. Online work can make scheduling easier, reduce travel time, and allow sessions to fit around work or caregiving. It can also let people choose shorter check-ins or avoid being on camera when that helps them engage. Licensed professionals adapt approaches so therapy fits everyday life and obligations.